US World Cup host cities ‘to seek’ millions from FIFA over unpaid pledges | OneFootball

US World Cup host cities are seeking millions they say FIFA pledged before the 2026 tournament, according to The Athletic.

Gianni Infantino is said to have promised one million dollars to each US host city, but the money has yet to arrive.

The issue traces back to the 2025 Club World Cup, when FIFA made a similar pledge. The 2026 hosts then asked if a legacy contribution would also apply to the World Cup. Infantino did not publicly announce such payments, and cities have been seeking updates on the process.

Officials from host city committees in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, Miami and Boston have reportedly questioned FIFA’s delays.

The sums at stake total 11 million dollars, a small figure alongside the World Cup’s 15 billion in revenue. This comes as the cities contributed to FIFA’s profits and subsidised the tournament.

Source: L'Équipe

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