World Cup 2026: Host cities complain over unpaid fees

American cities that hosted the 2026 World Cup are still waiting for millions of dollars they believe were promised to them by FIFA.

This is the latest hot topic on Gianni Infantino’s desk. According to The Athletic, several U.S. cities that hosted matches during the 2026 World Cup are now demanding millions of dollars from FIFA, money they expected to receive. At the heart of the dispute is a promise made by Gianni Infantino prior to the 2025 Club World Cup.

FIFA’s president had, in fact, announced a one-million-dollar contribution for each of the eleven host cities, describing it as a “legacy” fund aimed at financing mini-pitches and “social projects”. That’s where the issue began.

Read also: Jordan accuses Gianni Infantino’s FIFA

The American cities tasked with hosting the 2026 World Cup quite reasonably asked if they would receive the same contribution. According to four organizing committee officials cited by The Athletic, FIFA’s leadership repeatedly assured them that the million dollars would indeed be granted, though no public announcement was ever made. These verbal promises, given during meetings, have never materialized—leaving several cities now demanding answers. When approached, FIFA declined to comment.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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