The 11 host cities in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are seeking clarification regarding the status of $1 million payments promised by FIFA.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledged $1 million in financial support to each of these 11 cities prior to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The funds would be used to build mini football pitches and support social projects.
No payments of the promised $1 million have been made to the US host cities to date. Media reports indicate that host cities have been repeatedly assured they will receive the contribution.
Host cities and revenue distribution
The 11 US host cities include Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, Miami, and Boston.
While FIFA retains the vast majority of tournament revenue from ticket sales, media rights, sponsorship agreements, commercial concessions, and parking, host cities are responsible for expenses including stadium operations, fan festival sites, transportation, policing, and security.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously attempted to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors but abandoned the plan following intense criticism. The scrapped plan has fueled calls for a change in FIFA's leadership.
