Strategic Objectives - Goal 9

Subtitles

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Ensure the FIFA World Cup™ will be the Greatest show on the planet in 2026

Overview

Principles

Achievements

Stories

Goal 1. FIFA Statutes revision

Goal 2. Transfer system reform

Goal 3. Technological developments

Goal 4. Youth tournaments

Goal 5. Development & FIFA Academies

Goal 6. Social responsibilities

Goal 7. FIFA Series

Goal 8. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™

Goal 9. FIFA World Cup 2026™: Greatest show on the planet

Goal 10. FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Brand-new club competition

Goal 11. Record 11 billion USD revenues

The FIFA World Cup™ is the greatest show on Earth and the 22<sup>nd</sup> edition, held in Qatar in 2022, was the best-ever in the tournament’s history. For the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the number of teams will increase from 32 to 48, making it the biggest-ever tournament, giving more nations the chance of seeing their team on the global stage and allowing more players to dream of appearing at the sport’s top event. Given that standards are improving around the world, we are certain that the high standard of the competition will be maintained. Equally, we are intending to ensure that the tournament in 2026 will be the most diverse event ever, a true festival with 104 matches in 16 stadiums across three North and Central American countries. 

The expansion of the tournament will lead to a more equal spread of slots. The number of places for CAF teams will practically double from the current five to nine or ten, the AFC’s quota will increase from four or five to eight or nine, and Concacaf’s number of representatives will rise from three or four to six, seven or eight. For the first time, the OFC will have a guaranteed slot with the chance of a second, making 2026 the first FIFA World Cup at which all six confederations will have at least one guaranteed berth. Another new feature will be the intercontinental play-off tournament, which will decide the last two slots at the final tournament, thus providing more opportunities for teams to meet opposition from other continents in a competitive environment, giving them valuable international experience. More FIFA World Cup slots will mean more chances to develop local football structures and trigger local investment in football around the world.

A new operational model has been activated for this tournament, for which three local FIFA subsidiaries are being established in the three host countries. FIFA will act as the local organiser working together with the three host member associations, the three host country governments and the 16 Host Cities – designed to ensure an even more efficient and effective operation driven by FIFA, this model will include an unprecedented mix of global and local expertise, which will be critical to the successful planning and delivery of the tournament. In addition, the event is the first FIFA World Cup where detailed human rights and sustainability requirements have been integrated from the bidding stage and FIFA will work with its partners to implement strong human rights and environmental due diligence programmes.

The tournament is set to leave an indelible mark on and legacy in the three host countries, where communities are set to benefit from the tournament and where it is anticipated that football will become a top participation sport following the 2026 finals.

While the tournament in 2026 will be organised within regional hubs to help mitigate the movements of the 48 participating teams and their fans, it will nevertheless include 104 individual matches, each of which will give players, coaches and referees the chance to showcase their skills to a global audience. To maximise the success of an elite competition and building on the success of the compact FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, all participants and partners will be provided with the best possible services and protections. In this respect, FIFA aims to ensure top-class conditions on every front, be that the state of the pitch or the in-stadium atmosphere. 

In addition, via the FIFA Club Benefits Programme, which promotes international football and compensates all clubs who release players to participate in the FIFA World Cup, there will be an increase from 209 million USD from the FIFA World Cup 2022 to 355 million USD for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments.


Building on the positive experiences gained from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, FIFA will look to further enhance the fan experience benchmark for international football tournaments ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, which will offer a completely different set-up and a range of other incredible opportunities. With 16 amazing stadiums already in place, FIFA will be partnering closely with the Host Cities to ensure that fans attending matches and/or Fan Festivals will have the best possible experience. With the expanded tournament, increasing from 64 to 104 matches and from 32 to 48 teams, the commercial programme for the event will also be widened to feature innovative opportunities in the three host countries.

Vision Goal 2

Goal 9_updated

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