US World Cup host cities seek promised $1m FIFA payments

US cities that staged matches at the 2026 World Cup are seeking millions of dollars from FIFA after promised funding for community projects and small-sided pitches failed to materialise, according to The Athletic.

FIFA had pledged to give each host city $1m during the 2025 Club World Cup, which was held in the United States. The money was intended to support local projects, including community initiatives and the construction of small football pitches.

Cities involved in hosting matches at the 2026 World Cup are now asking for the same contribution. Their claims come after they incurred greater costs while supporting a tournament that ran for 39 days.

City officials are understood to have received repeated verbal assurances from FIFA representatives that the payments would be made. However, there has been no formal public announcement confirming the funding, and no money has been paid so far.

The host cities include Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Boston, among others. The cities are seeking clarification over when, and through what process, the promised payments will be distributed.

The delay has become more complicated because some local organising committees have already begun winding down their operations following the World Cup. That could make it harder to establish which bodies should receive the money and how any payments should be administered.

Officials have questioned why FIFA has not yet fulfilled the commitment, particularly given the organisation’s financial position. FIFA is reported to have generated more than $15bn in revenue during its current financial cycle.

The American host cities carried most of the costs linked to staging the tournament, including spending on security, transport and logistics. FIFA, meanwhile, received the majority of the income from ticket sales, broadcasting rights and sponsorship agreements.

The dispute adds to the pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has faced a series of controversies within world football’s governing body in recent months.

The cities and FIFA are expected to continue discussions in the coming period in an effort to settle the outstanding financial claims. At present, the $1m-per-city commitment remains an informal promise rather than a payment backed by an official FIFA announcement.