Braintree Town could be in line for a remarkable $250,000 (£185,000) financial boost this summer after defender Tommy Smith was called up to represent New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The National League club confirmed this week that Smith will head to North America with the All Whites, making history as the first player ever to represent his country at a World Cup while contracted to Braintree. While the footballing prestige alone is significant for the Essex outfit, the financial implications could prove even more important.
FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme rewards clubs for releasing players to international tournaments, and reports circulating this week suggest clubs could receive around $11,000 per day for every player involved at the 2026 tournament. Even in the minimum scenario, where a nation exits during the group stage, clubs are expected to receive around $250,000.
For a National League side, that sort of figure would represent a huge injection of cash.
The Biggest World Cup Ever
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in the competition’s history. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament runs from June 11 until July 19 and will feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32.
That expansion means there will be 104 matches played across 16 host cities, with the top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-placed sides, advancing to a new round of 32 phase.
The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, while Mexico City’s famous Estadio Azteca hosts the opening match. It is also the first time three nations have jointly staged the tournament.
The increase in teams has created opportunities for nations such as New Zealand, who secured qualification and will now compete on the sport’s biggest stage once again.
Why Braintree Could Earn £250,000
FIFA introduced the Club Benefits Programme to compensate clubs for releasing players to international duty at major tournaments. Payments are distributed based on how long players remain involved in the competition.
According to reports this week, the baseline payout for clubs with players eliminated in the group stage could still reach around $250,000, a figure which would be transformational for many clubs outside the EFL.
For Braintree, the money could help strengthen infrastructure, support recruitment or simply provide breathing room financially heading into the new campaign. Given their recent relegation to the National League South, the money could be significant in their fight to bounce back.
Who Is Tommy Smith?
Smith, now 36, has enjoyed a long and varied career across England, the United States and Australia. He came through the Ipswich Town academy and made more than 240 appearances for the Tractor Boys across an 11-year spell at Portman Road.
His career later included stints with Colorado Rapids, Colchester United, MK Dons and Auckland FC before joining Braintree Town in August 2025.
Although born in England, Smith qualifies for New Zealand after spending part of his youth there. He has earned more than 50 international caps and previously represented the All Whites at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where New Zealand famously went unbeaten in the group stage.
In 2016, he was told he wouldn’t be selected for his country again due to a perceived lack of commitment, but coaches move on, and he is now heading back to football’s biggest tournament, and Braintree Town could reap the rewards alongside him.
