U.S. cities chase FIFA over millions promised after hosting World Cup games

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Several U.S. cities that hosted matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are reportedly seeking millions of dollars they say FIFA promised but has yet to pay.

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The payments stem from a reported verbal commitment by FIFA to provide each of its 11 U.S. host cities with a $1 million “legacy contribution” to support community projects and other initiatives.

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The issue dates back to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which was also staged in the United States.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced ahead of the tournament that the governing body would give each of the 11 cities hosting Club World Cup matches $1 million.

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The money was described as a legacy contribution intended to fund mini-pitches and social projects in the host communities.

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Following that announcement, cities selected to host the much larger 2026 World Cup reportedly asked whether they would receive a similar contribution, given the scale and cost of hosting the tournament.

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According to four executives involved with U.S. World Cup host city committees who spoke anonymously, FIFA senior officials repeatedly assured them that they would receive the same $1 million contribution.

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The executives said the commitment was made verbally during meetings with FIFA officials and reiterated on several occasions, although FIFA never publicly announced the payments.

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The 11 U.S. host cities were Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, Miami and Boston.

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However, the promised funds have reportedly not been paid, leaving some host cities seeking clarification from FIFA on when the money will be released.

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FIFA declined to comment when approached by The Athletic.

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The delay has created an additional complication for some host committees, particularly those that are now winding down after the tournament.

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With some organisations preparing to close their operations, questions remain over which entities would receive and administer any eventual payments.

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Other host committees are preparing financial reports for local and state authorities but remain uncertain about whether the anticipated FIFA contribution should be included in their accounts.

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Two host city executives reportedly expressed frustration over the situation, questioning why FIFA would hesitate over relatively small payments after generating more than $15 billion in revenue during the 2023-26 cycle.

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FIFA’s operating budget for the 2026 World Cup was estimated at about $2.7 billion.

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The reported dispute comes as Infantino faces other challenges, including growing tensions with UEFA and other football authorities following the collapse of plans to sell a stake in FIFA’s competitions and events to private investors.

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