FIFA Confirms Record $9.89bn Spent in Summer Transfer Window
FIFA has confirmed a record $9.89 billion was spent on men’s international transfers during the mid-year window, with more than 12,500 cross-border deals completed between June 1 and September 2.
Key takeaways
- The men’s total is the highest ever recorded for an international mid-year transfer period.
- Women’s clubs completed 1,406 international moves and spent a record $28.6 million.
- English teams led men’s spending at $3.02 billion and also made the most incoming signings.
- World Cup participants accounted for more than $3.3 billion in transfer fees after the tournament.
- French clubs generated the biggest men’s outgoing-fee total, while Swedish sides topped the women’s selling table.
World Cup fuels billion-dollar player movement
The 2026 World Cup in North America had a major effect on the market. A total of 267 players from 47 nationalities who appeared at the tournament switched clubs during the June-to-September window.
Those World Cup players generated combined transfer fees exceeding $3.3 billion, underlining how performances on the international stage translated into major club opportunities. Established names secured high-value moves, while emerging players used the tournament to attract interest from new employers.
English clubs were again the market’s biggest buyers, committing $3.02 billion on men’s international arrivals. Italian teams ranked second after spending $1.1 billion.
France led the way on the outgoing side, with French clubs collecting $1.7 billion in international transfer fees.
Women’s market posts major growth
International activity in the women’s professional game also reached new levels. The 1,406 completed transfers came with $28.6 million in spending, more than twice the total recorded in 2025.
English women’s clubs spent the most, investing $8.0 million, with Spanish and German sides next in the global rankings.
Swedish clubs received the largest amount from outgoing women’s transfers, collecting $4.2 million in fees. English and French teams followed among the leading sellers.
FIFA has also opened public access to its redesigned TMS Help Centre. The platform is intended to provide guidance on transfer regulations, updates for stakeholders and information on FIFA Clearing House procedures before future windows open.
