Several US cities that hosted matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup are reportedly seeking millions of dollars in legacy funding they believe FIFA promised but has yet to deliver.
According to reports, executives from multiple host cities claim FIFA officials repeatedly assured them each city would receive US$1 million to support football infrastructure and community projects. The promises were allegedly made during meetings by senior FIFA management, although no official public announcement was ever issued.
The matter resurfaced after FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed similar US$1 million legacy payments for host cities of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, prompting 2026 World Cup host cities to request updates on their own funding.
Cities including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston and New York/New Jersey are reportedly awaiting the payments after staging matches during the expanded 48-team tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup generated record revenues, with FIFA reportedly earning around US$15 billion during the 2023–2026 commercial cycle.
The funding dispute adds to growing scrutiny surrounding Infantino’s leadership, following criticism over his abandoned proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA competitions and increasing pressure from UEFA and other football stakeholders.
