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Although national pride is still the main motivator, World Cup participants are paid for their efforts. Compensation varies, however. What a player earns depends primarily on his team's performance. According to this article from the BBC, every member of England's squad could take home up to £300,000 (equal to about US$550,000) if they go all the way. English superstar David Beckham defended the bonuses, noting the figure isn't as high as it's been in years past. The U.S. team's salary structure is a bit different. According to USA
Today, "each player receives $37,500." Additionally, each player earns $3,750 for each game, plus bonuses depending on how far the team progresses. Should they take home the World Cup, the team could earn millions (which is split among the players). Germany, which hosts this year's tournament, would take home $390,000 per player if they win. Players from the West African nation of Togo will likely earn considerably less. Meanwhile, Ukraine will earn $2.8 million (as a team) if they survive the opening round. Though there may be exceptions, as far as we can tell, each country's soccer (aka football) federation is responsible for payment. Good thing, as we doubt taxpayers would be willing to foot the bill.
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