US World Cup host cities seek millions in unpaid FIFA funding: report
Several US host cities of the World Cup are seeking unpaid legacy funds from FIFA, which they say were promised verbally. The dispute adds to pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
US cities that hosted matches at the men's World Cup are pressing FIFA for millions of dollars they say the governing body promised them, according to a report from The Athletic on Tuesday. Four executives from host city committees, speaking anonymously, told the outlet that FIFA management assured them each would receive $1 million in "legacy" funds intended for football-related infrastructure and social projects.
The requests come after FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced similar payments for host cities of the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States. The Athletic reported that FIFA management repeatedly told the cities they would get the same $1 million contribution, even though FIFA never made a public statement about it. The four executives said the pledge was made verbally by senior FIFA officials, repeated in meetings, but has not been fulfilled. Several cities are now asking FIFA staff for updates on when the money might arrive.
The 2026 World Cup was held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Host venues included Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston and New York/New Jersey. The 39-day tournament, the first to feature 48 teams, contributed to record FIFA revenue of $15 billion for the 2023–26 cycle, according to reports.
The dispute adds to scrutiny around Infantino, who has faced criticism from UEFA and some other confederations, as well as figures within FIFA, over his abandoned plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.
