World football’s governing body, FIFA, has reportedly cut more than $100 million from the operating budget for this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
According to FIFA’s 2024 annual report, the organisation had originally set aside $1.12 billion for operational expenses for the 2023–2026 financial cycle, from a total budget of $3.756 billion.
The operational budget included $280 million for technical services, $159 million for event transport, $145 million for safety and security, and $79 million for guest management.
However, multiple sources told The Athletic that staff at FIFA’s United States (US) headquarters in Miami have been feeling the impact of the cuts. The reductions reportedly affect several key areas, including safety, logistics, security and accessibility, and are said to exceed $100 million.
Meanwhile, the US Congress has approved $625 million in federal funding to help host venues cover security costs. But those funds have yet to be released due to a partial government shutdown affecting the US Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for distributing the money.
–ChannelAfrica–
