Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has congratulated Donald Trump on defeating Democratic challenger Kamala Harris and regaining the US presidency.
As the 2026 World Cup draws near, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, Trump, who announced his victory in the election, will serve as the nation's leader.
As the 2026 World Cup draws near, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, Trump, who announced his victory in the election, will serve as the nation's leader.
During his first tenure as president, Infantino met with Trump several times to discuss World Cup preparations. On Wednesday, November 6, Infantino posted a picture of himself with Trump on Instagram with the message, "Congratulations Mr. President! In America, we will host a fantastic FIFA World Cup and a fantastic FIFA Club World Cup! The world is united by football!
For the first time since 1994, the World Cup will be held in North America in 2026.
For the first time since 1994, the World Cup will be held in North America in 2026.
Additionally, the tournament will include an enlarged format that will see 104 matches played among the three host countries, a 50% increase in the total number of games, and an increase in the number of teams from 32 to 48.
The tournament's duration will be greatly increased to 39 days with the new structure, which will include 12 groups of four teams.
With only 16 days open for preparation between the conclusion of domestic seasons and the start of the World Cup, European clubs are concerned about the impact this expanded timetable will have on the already packed domestic calendar.
Infantino has promised, meanwhile, that the extra money made from the enlarged competition will go toward helping grassroots football projects all across the world.
The tournament's duration will be greatly increased to 39 days with the new structure, which will include 12 groups of four teams.
With only 16 days open for preparation between the conclusion of domestic seasons and the start of the World Cup, European clubs are concerned about the impact this expanded timetable will have on the already packed domestic calendar.
Infantino has promised, meanwhile, that the extra money made from the enlarged competition will go toward helping grassroots football projects all across the world.
