Players threatened a boycott, and it took FIFA intervention to ensure that they played Monday against Switzerland. Players from a nation where the average income is about $1 a day had wanted $200,000 each for being here, plus $39,000 per win and $20,000 per draw.

Even for players who don't need the cash, the World Cup can be a boon.

Landon Donovan already enjoyed one of the higher profiles in U.S. soccer before the 2002 World Cup. After scoring two goals in Korea, he went mainstream.

Midfielder Landon Donovan (L) of the U.S. is tackled by midfielder Genadijs Solonicins of Latvia in the first half of their international friendly soccer match at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut May 28, 2006. [Reuters]

His endorsements include Nike, Claritin and AT&T. While that doesn't compare with those of David Beckham or Ronaldo, an extra six or seven figures doesn't hurt.

"He is already at a place before this World Cup that surpasses where he was after the last World Cup," said Donovan's agent, Richard Motzkin.

Of course, surpassing the U.S. team's performance of 2002 would be an achievement that outlasts any bonus or contract.

"When they step foot on the field representing their nation, they're not out there to increase their dollar value," said Messing, the agent. "The players who are going to be great players, that's not why they're there."

AP Sports Writers Josh Dubow, Ronald Blum and Brett Martel, Associated Press Writers Brian Trusdell, Karl Ritter, Clare Nullis and freelance writer Zoe Eisenstein contributed to this report.