Per reports from The Athletic, several unnamed U.S. host cities for the 2026 World Cup are chasing FIFA over allegedly promised payments for hosting matches during the 39-day tournament. Ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino publicly announced a series of $1m “legacy” payments for the 11 Club World Cup host cities. According to several anonymous executives for 2026 host cities, FIFA verbally promised to provide the same payments for the following summer’s tournament, which they are yet to receive.