Scandal escalates! 2026 World Cup host cities demand millions from FIFA

Gianni Infantino’s promises are under fire once again.

Details: According to The Athletic, American cities that hosted World Cup matches are still waiting to receive the funds promised by FIFA. Organization president Gianni Infantino had pledged that each of the 11 US host cities would get $1 million as part of the so-called “tournament legacy”—money earmarked for building mini-pitches and funding social initiatives. None of the cities have seen a dime, and city officials are now reaching out directly to FIFA staff, demanding answers.

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The situation is particularly awkward given FIFA’s own windfall: the organization raked in around $8.9 billion from the World Cup, while the combined budget deficit of the 11 US host cities is estimated at roughly $250 million.

Here’s a curious detail: Infantino first made this promise back in the summer of 2025, meaning the cities have been waiting for their million for over a year now.

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