Clubs around the world spent a record $9.89 billion on international transfer fees in men’s football during the 2026 mid-year transfer window, according to the latest report from FIFA.
The global football governing body disclosed this on Thursday in its International Transfer Snapshot, revealing that more than 12,500 international transfers were completed during the window, also setting a new record.
The figure represents an increase from the 11,863 international transfers recorded during the corresponding period last year.
English clubs dominated international spending, committing more than $3.02 billion to sign players from clubs outside the country.
However, the figure was lower than the record £3.49 billion ($4.7 billion) reportedly spent by Premier League clubs during the window, as the British media figure also includes transfers between English clubs.
Italy ranked second in international spending with $1.1 billion, followed by Spain with $940 million, Germany with $904 million and France with $641 million.
On the income side, French clubs generated the highest revenue from international transfers, receiving $1.7 billion in fees. English clubs followed with $1.43 billion, ahead of Germany ($1.02 billion), Spain ($773 million) and Portugal ($642 million).
FIFA said the 2026 World Cup had a significant influence on transfer activity, with players who participated in the tournament accounting for more than $3.3 billion in transfer fees.
According to the report, 267 World Cup players representing 47 nationalities changed clubs between June and September.
Women’s Football Also Sets Records
Women’s football also recorded unprecedented transfer activity during the window.
FIFA reported 1,406 international transfers in the women’s professional game, representing a 19.2 per cent increase from the previous record.
International transfer spending in women’s football more than doubled compared with the corresponding 2025 window, reaching a record $28.6 million.
English clubs were the biggest spenders in the women’s game, accounting for $8 million in transfer fees. They were followed by Spain with $6.6 million, Germany ($4.9 million), the United States ($2.9 million) and Italy ($2.1 million).
Swedish clubs recorded the highest income from international women’s transfers at $4.2 million, narrowly ahead of English clubs with $4 million.
Clubs in France and Germany each received $3.6 million from international transfer fees, according to FIFA.
