(FILES) FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the welcome session of the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok on May 17, 2024. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)FIFA will distribute 100,000 soccer balls to 500 cities across the United States as part of efforts to build excitement ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced. With 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a celebration of humanity, bringing people together in joy and football spirit. “I was delighted to meet the mayors of the 11 US Host Cities who will welcome the world in 2026, each bringing their own unique energy to this historic event,” the FIFA President said. “We were thrilled to welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA World Cup trophy to our winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Source: Punch February 08, 2026 10:14 UTC