Infantino: 2026 World Cup To Be Largest Sporting Event in History

Infantino: 2026 World Cup To Be Largest Sporting Event in History

By Niyi Busari 

Gianni Infantino has emphasised the scale and ambition of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing it as a defining moment for global football as preparations intensify across three host nations.

Addressing operational leaders at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Workshop in Atlanta, United States, the FIFA President called the gathering a “vital milestone” on the road to what will be the largest tournament in the competition’s history.

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada, marking the first time the event will be staged across three countries. Matches will be played in 16 host cities across North America.

Expanded Format, Expanded Ambitions

For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams, up from the traditional 32, with a total of 104 matches scheduled. FIFA believes the expansion will broaden global representation and enhance commercial reach, while presenting significant operational demands.

Infantino said the Atlanta workshop brought together key leaders from FIFA’s Member Associations to coordinate planning across every major functional area, from logistics and team services to infrastructure and competition management.

“Over the coming days, we will engage across every key functional area as we prepare for 48 teams and 104 matches at what will be the largest sporting and social event in history,” he noted in remarks shared publicly.

Qualification Nearing Completion

With qualification campaigns entering decisive stages in several confederations, the final line-up of participating nations is expected to take shape in the coming months. The expanded format increases the number of available slots across regions, offering greater access to emerging football nations.

African and Asian associations, in particular, stand to benefit from additional qualification places, raising expectations of broader continental representation on football’s biggest stage.

Infantino reiterated FIFA’s commitment to delivering a world-class tournament environment for teams, officials and administrators, underscoring the governing body’s focus on operational excellence.

The Atlanta workshop forms part of a wider series of engagements aimed at ensuring readiness across all participating associations. As the countdown continues, FIFA is positioning the 2026 tournament not only as a sporting spectacle, but as a transformative global event designed to reshape the reach and impact of the World Cup.