FIFA President Gianni Infantino went to social media to deliver a heartfelt warm congratulations extended to the newly elected US President, Donald Trump. And in that, he revealed some ambitious plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It will be the most ambitious and inclusive tournament ever in terms of geography. The 2026 World Cup is to cover the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This kind of football event would really change the United States of America and the rest of the world together.

The 2026 World Cup is set to break new ground in many ways. It will be the first time 48 teams will participate in the World Cup instead of the long-standing 32. This increases the competition levels while still allowing greater country participation from across the world. Expansion in this manner would help intensify the level of competition while pursuing inclusivity because new grounds are automatically created for previously less-represented countries. This format change aligns with FIFA‘s commitment to fostering a global spirit of unity and cooperation through soccer.

Shortly after the election results came out, Infantino took to social media to share words of congratulations: “Congratulations, Mr. President! We will have a great FIFA World Cup and a great FIFA Club World Cup in the 🇺🇸 United States of America! 🤝Football Unites the World! 🌎❤️⚽”. This event marks a return to the U.S. for the first time since 1994. And it would play a huge impact in developing the country to the position of a global sporting hub. 

In more than a dozen U.S. cities queued up as hosts, the event promises to bring soccer right into the heart of American life. From the iconic Rose Bowl in Los Angeles to AT&T Stadium in Texas, the venues are open for fans and players to be part of this global festival of soccer. Infantino sees this as more than just a tournament; it’s a cultural exchange and will greatly help Trump and the US.

How will the FIFA World Cup 2026 help the United States?

Hosting the World Cup requires a lot of investments in infrastructure, and the United States is uniquely positioned to do so. Existing stadiums, transportation networks, and lodging facilities give the country a logistical advantage that few nations can compare with. In fact, the 2026 World Cup is expected to pump billions of dollars into the United States economy, creating jobs, attracting international tourism, and boosting local businesses. Infantino‘s strategy for the tournament goes beyond short-term monetary benefits- he believes it will contribute to long-term soccer development in North America.

Infantino also announced plans to increase youth development programs and community outreach in the lead-up to 2026. FIFA has already started programs aimed at increasing soccer participation in the U.S., partnering with local leagues, schools, and organizations to build a vibrant soccer culture among the country’s youth.

The countdown to 2026 has already started as Infantino, U.S. Soccer, together with other stakeholders, have worked extensively so that everything is in its place for this spectacle, which includes the logistically managing and preparing stadiums and all fan engagement strategies in all ways possible so that making an enjoyable experience of the visit is not just about the memories to be cherished. They also prioritize security and transportation, so people can relax and have an unforgettable experience.