FIFA President Hypes Upcoming Tournaments, Promises Record-Breaking Prizes and Spectacle
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has ignited excitement for the upcoming Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, promising unprecedented prize money and a halftime show poised to eclipse the Super Bowl in global viewership. During a recent appearance on FOX 5 New York’s "Good Day New York," Infantino painted a picture of grandeur and ambition, highlighting the tournaments’ potential impact on the United States and the world stage.
Infantino boldly proclaimed that the winner of this summer’s Club World Cup would take home a staggering "more than $100 million." This substantial reward underscores FIFA’s commitment to elevating the tournament’s prestige and attracting top talent. The tournament, set to begin in just 100 days from Thursday, promises a $1 billion prize pool, with a significant portion allocated to non-participating clubs worldwide as a gesture of solidarity. This distribution ensures that the benefits of the tournament extend beyond the competing teams, supporting soccer development at a grassroots level.
The FIFA President further amplified the anticipation surrounding the 2026 World Cup halftime show, asserting it would be a spectacle witnessed by an estimated "2 billion viewers from every corner of the world." He confidently stated that the event would be "20 times the Super Bowl," positioning it as a cultural phenomenon with unparalleled global reach. The halftime show, masterminded by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, is envisioned as a groundbreaking production that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers.
"We’re thinking big," Infantino emphasized. "It will be global, different languages, different countries." While remaining tight-lipped about specific details, he urged viewers to tune in, hinting at surprises and a diverse representation of global cultures.
Infantino’s promotional tour coincides with a series of significant announcements from FIFA, including the introduction of two new women’s tournaments. The Women’s Champions Cup, slated for 2026, and the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in 2028, signify FIFA’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of women’s soccer on a global scale. These initiatives aim to provide female players with more opportunities to compete at the highest level, further enhancing the sport’s popularity and recognition.
Adding to the momentum, U.S. Soccer is planning to submit a host bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, demonstrating the nation’s ambition to solidify its position as a leading force in the world of soccer. Hosting the Women’s World Cup would not only generate significant economic benefits but also inspire a new generation of female athletes and further promote the sport’s growth in the United States.
During his interview, Infantino playfully engaged with FOX 5 host Rosanna Scotto, suggesting that Drake should perform during the World Cup halftime show, alluding to the rapper’s perceived slight during the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show. “I think I have his number somewhere,” Infantino quipped, referencing Drake’s previous involvement in FIFA’s announcement of World Cup host cities. Drake’s hometown of Toronto is among the host cities for the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Club World Cup, set to kick off on June 14, is expected to feature a galaxy of soccer superstars, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland. Infantino confirmed Messi’s participation, stating, "Well, Messi will be here. We have actually the three best players of last year: Messi, Halland, Mbappe." The presence of these iconic players will undoubtedly draw massive crowds and generate substantial media attention, further elevating the tournament’s profile.
The Club World Cup will showcase matches across various U.S. cities, including Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Orlando, Nashville, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington D.C. The World Cup games in the U.S. will be played in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle and near the Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. Mexico will host games in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. Canadian cities Toronto and Vancouver will also host matches.
The Club World Cup final is scheduled for July 13, with the World Cup final following on July 19, 2026, both at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Infantino emphasized the significance of hosting the finals in the New York/New Jersey area, describing New York as a "universal city" and the "capital of the world."
FIFA is also seeking approximately 9,000 volunteers for the Club World Cup, encouraging individuals to "be a very important part of the delivery of this competition.” Manolo Zubiria, FIFA chief tournament officer, explained the organization’s desire to “take [the] competition to as many cities, as many communities, many fans to give the opportunity to experience a FIFA competition, to get a taste for a FIFA competition.”
Infantino’s recent media blitz underscores FIFA’s ambitious vision for the future of soccer in the United States and globally. With record-breaking prize money, groundbreaking halftime shows, and a commitment to developing women’s soccer, FIFA aims to solidify its position as the world’s leading sports organization. The upcoming Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup promise to be unforgettable events that will captivate audiences worldwide and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
