Overview

• FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani said only the governing body can reassign World Cup host cities, rejecting President Donald Trump’s suggestion of moving games from “dangerous” locations.
• Organizers are considering pushing some World Cup kick-offs to very late times for European audiences, potentially after midnight UK time, to avoid summer heat in North America, with final timings to follow the 5 December draw.
• Montagliani said Israel’s status is for UEFA to determine, noting the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich will not address the issue, as Amnesty International urges suspension and reports indicate UEFA has paused a planned vote.
• FIFA is studying changes to the 2029 Club World Cup, including possible expansion beyond 32 teams, while Montagliani voiced opposition to CONMEBOL’s proposal for a 64-team World Cup in 2030.
• Hospitality demand for the 2026 tournament is described as “through the roof,” even as lessons from the 2025 Club World Cup on heat and scheduling are being factored into planning.