Overview

• FIFA vice-president and CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani said relocating 2026 matches is FIFA’s decision alone and that organizers are focused on preparing the 16 venues.
• Host-city agreements finalized in 2022 pose significant legal and logistical barriers to any last-minute changes, and the U.S. federal government is not a party to those contracts.
• Scheduling is under active review after heat issues at the 2025 Club World Cup, with some World Cup kick-offs likely to move later and potentially past midnight for UK audiences.
• FIFA reports strong demand as ticket phases advance, citing more than 4.5 million lottery entries and hospitality sales described as through the roof.
• Governance talks continue, with FIFA open to adjusting the 2029 Club World Cup format while resistance persists to proposals for a 64-team World Cup in 2030.