Christian Pulisic is the highest-paid U.S. Men’s National Team player heading into the 2026 World Cup, with estimated total earnings of $27.5 million over the past 12 months before taxes and agent fees. The 27-year-old’s income is driven largely by off-field business, with an estimated $20 million coming from endorsements, licensing, appearances and other commercial deals. His brand portfolio includes major companies such as McDonald’s, Pepsi, AT&T and Puma, along with consumer products like Ritz, Chips Ahoy! and Sour Patch Kids. He also appeared in a Michelob Ultra campaign with Lionel Messi.
On the field, Pulisic earned about $7.5 million from his contract with AC Milan, which he joined in 2023 in a transfer worth up to $24.2 million. His financial profile reflects how much American soccer has changed in the past decade. In 2014, Clint Dempsey was the highest-paid U.S. player at the World Cup, with about $10 million in total estimated earnings. At that time, the off-field commercial market for U.S. soccer players was much smaller.
Industry experts say the arrival of the 2026 World Cup in North America has helped accelerate brand interest in U.S. soccer. More companies are building sponsorship strategies around the tournament, while the current generation of American players has become more visible on global stages such as the UEFA Champions League. Many of these athletes also grew up with social media, giving them stronger personal brands and broader marketing reach than previous generations.
Weston McKennie ranks second among U.S. World Cup players with estimated total earnings of $15 million, split between $7 million on the field and $8 million off it. Timothy Weah is third at $9.5 million, followed by Chris Richards at $7.5 million. Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest are tied at $7 million each. Together, the five highest-paid U.S. players are estimated to have earned $66.5 million. That is far below the $675 million combined total for the five highest-paid players from the rest of the world at the tournament.
McKennie, who plays for Juventus, is valued for his versatility and has endorsement deals with brands including Puma, Celsius and Chobani. Weah, now with Marseille, has deals with New Balance and Electrolit and became an investor in Brooklyn FC. Richards, a defender for Crystal Palace, works with Crocs, Bank of America, Kellanova and Nike. Adams, of Bournemouth, has dealt with injuries but remains an important leader for the U.S. team, while Dest has built a strong social media following and also appeared in a Michelob Ultra ad.
The earnings estimates are based on public databases, industry sources and current exchange rates, and they exclude taxes, agents’ fees and investment income.
