U.S. World Cup Host Cities Say FIFA Has Yet to Deliver Promised Payments

FIFA President Gianni Infantino promised $1 million to each city hosting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

FIFA reportedly generated approximately $15 billion in revenue during the 2026 World Cup cycle. [Photo: Paul Kagame Flickr]

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials from U.S. host cities reportedly sought confirmation that they would receive similar payments and were allegedly told they would, Chris Cwik reported for Yahoo Sports.

According to The Athletic, however, those payments have not been made, prompting host cities to seek clarification from FIFA.

Four executives from U.S. host city committees told The Athletic that FIFA officials repeatedly assured them the $1 million contributions would be provided. However, FIFA never publicly announced such payments.

"The four executives said this promise was made verbally by members of FIFA's senior management, and reiterated to cities in meetings, but it has not been paid, meaning several cities are now asking FIFA staff for updates on the payments," The Athletic reported.

Twelve U.S. cities hosted matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.

FIFA reportedly generated approximately $15 billion in revenue during the 2026 World Cup cycle.