“No. 1 Sport in North America” – ‘Bullish’ FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino Says Soccer Will Overtake Basketball and American Football

FIFA World Cup in Qatar is two games away from its conclusion. While the fans are thinking about who will be the world champions, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has already set his sights on the 2026 edition. FIFA will hold it in the United States, Canada, and Mexico jointly.

The 2026 World Cup is different as FIFA is going for 48 teams format for the first time. Although, the pinnacle soccer body will rethink the change in format in its next meeting. Infantino believes the 2026 tournament will be the game-changer for soccer in North America.

FIFA eyes enormous revenue from the 2026 World Cup

The FIFA President attended the press conference ahead of the final between Argentina and France. He spoke on various topics with a focus already on the 2026 World Cup that will take place in North America. Infantino is convinced that soccer will overtake basketball and American football during the 2026 edition in North America.

FIFA has projected a revenue of 11 billion USD from the next World Cup. Infantino said, “We are more than bullish (about the tournament’s potential success). We are convinced that the impact of the game will be massive. We are bullish about the power of football. It will become the number one sport in North America.”

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Soccer is yet to gain prominence in North America with basketball and American football still ruling. It will be an uphill task for FIFA to beat basketball and American football in popularity. Yet, FIFA has the resources to increase its fans and popularity in the continent. Infantino’s statement also suggests that they have a roadmap for making soccer the number one sport in North America.

Qatar World Cup has been a roller coaster ride

We are just two days away from the final between Argentina and France. Both teams are looking to win the ultimate prize in soccer. With the win, France will become the first country in 60 years to win back-to-back World Cups after Brazil. Argentina last won the World Cup in 1986, and Lionel Messi will be eager to get his hands for the first time on the trophy.

The World Cup started on the back of controversies and protests. Not all the fans were happy with Qatar hosting the World Cup. Although as the games passed, the tournament started getting more attention on the soccer side. The heavyweights like Germany and Belgium bowed out from the group stage itself. The trend of the shocking results started when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina despite going down by a goal.

Who can forget the dream run of Morocco to the semis? They beat Belgium, Spain, and Portugal en route to the semifinal before getting beaten by France. Emotions were at their peak when Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar were knocked out in the quarter-finals. However, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are still going strong and will lock horns in the final.

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Infantino has made a big claim ahead of the big final. Can soccer really overtake American football and basketball in 2026? Will FIFA go for the new format in 2026? Also, let us know about your predictions for the final.