Eleven United States host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are demanding millions of dollars in promised legacy funding from FIFA after the governing body allegedly failed to deliver payments linked to tournament-related projects.
According to The Athletic, FIFA had pledged financial support to the 11 U.S. host cities to help finance legacy initiatives associated with the expanded World Cup.
Local organisers say the promised payments have not been made despite repeated assurances from FIFA officials.
Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that each host city would receive a $1 million contribution through the tournament's legacy programme.
That announcement led organisers in the 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to expect similar financial support, particularly given the scale of preparations for the tournament.
The host cities have invested heavily in infrastructure, transportation, security and operational planning, with officials now questioning why the promised legacy payments have yet to be released.
According to The Athletic, four executives from the host cities' organising committees said FIFA representatives repeatedly assured them that each city would receive a $1 million legacy contribution similar to the payments announced for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
However, FIFA has not officially confirmed the payments or provided a timeline for when the funds will be distributed.
The uncertainty has heightened tensions between FIFA and the host cities as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The dispute also adds to growing scrutiny of FIFA's financial and governance decisions ahead of the tournament.
