The host cities for the 2026 World Cup are currently facing a financial crisis as they demand payment from FIFA for promised contributions. Just three weeks after the tournament concluded, these cities are still waiting for the millions of dollars that were pledged to them.

Outstanding Payments

According to a report from The Athletic, FIFA has yet to settle the outstanding payments, leaving president Gianni Infantino at the center of the controversy. Infantino had previously committed to providing one million dollars to each of the eleven American cities that hosted matches during the World Cup. However, these cities are still pursuing the funds, and there has been no response from FIFA regarding the payments.

Purpose of the Payments

The financial contributions were intended to help cover the significant costs incurred by the host cities while organizing the tournament, which lasted 39 days and was the largest in World Cup history. This edition featured more national teams than ever before, resulting in a record number of matches played.

Four executive officials from the local organizing committees expressed their concerns about the situation, stating, "We informed FIFA on repeated occasions that the cities would receive equal compensation in return for the use of the stadiums." These representatives chose to remain anonymous to maintain their relationship with FIFA, but they confirmed that they have yet to receive any financial compensation.