Mo Toure's World Cup Journey
Norwich City's prolific striker Mo Toure is part of a band-of-brothers aiming to help Australia upset the World Cup odds. Toure's 12 goal contributions in 11 Championship games marked him out as one to watch on the big stage this summer.
Joining him in the Socceroos' squad is fellow striker Tete Yengi, who was a surprise inclusion in Tony Popovic's final roster. Yengi grew up with Toure and Watford's Nestory Irankunda, forming a close bond through their shared youth system in Adelaide.
"We're very close to each other. We speak almost every day," said Yengi, who is currently at Livingston in the Scottish Premiership. "I've grown up with Mo since I was maybe 12 and he was 8. We're just grateful and happy to be here together."
Financial Boost for Norwich City
Norwich City could be in line to net a £1m World Cup windfall thanks to Toure's call-up to the Australian squad. This brings the Canaries' contingent to five players at the global showpiece, which begins on June 11. Read more about Ramazani Edges Closer to Valencia as Canaries Monitor.
The club is due a share of FIFA's £263m club benefits programme, a compensation pot set aside for agreeing to release their stars. Player-of-the-year Kenny McLean is now in America with the Scotland squad, joined by Tunisia's Anis Ben Slimane, Canada's Ali Ahmed, and Panama's Jose Cordoba.
Norwich is eligible to receive daily payments for each player released to their international squad, starting 10 days before the opening match until the day after that player's final game.
World Cup Expectations for Socceroos
Toure and Yengi have one more friendly on Saturday against Christian Fassnacht's Switzerland before they open their World Cup against Turkey on June 14. The Socceroos have also been drawn against co-hosts America and Paraguay in Group D.
This summer's multi-million arrangement between FIFA and the game's key stakeholders marks a 70% increase on the 2022 World Cup, with reports indicating the cash sum is worth just over £8,000 per player, per day. Even if none of City’s quintet get past the group stage, the estimated payout could still be close to £1m for the Championship outfit.
Payments are due whether or not players make an appearance if they are listed in the official final 26-player squad list. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of clubs and players worldwide to the tournament.