President of Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino has announced that FIFA is to distribute 100,000 balls to 500 American Cities to build excitement across the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Gianni Infantino made the announcement while speaking to delegates at United States Conference of Mayors’ ( USCM) Winter Meeting held in Washington DC said the cities represented by each of the 500 members would receive 200 balls each ahead of the tournament which the US is co – hosting with Canada and Mexico.
The balls can then be used in celebratory events in the build up to the tournament, which kicks off in June 11. “With 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 Host Cities across Canada, Mexico and United States, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a celebration of humanity, bringing people together in joy and football spirit.
I was delighted to meet the mayors of the 11 US Host Cities who will welcome the world in 2026, each bringing their own unique energy to this historic events, the FIFA President said.
During the meeting, Mr. Infantino met the mayors of each of the 11 US – based Host Cities for the tournament, which will be first to feature 48 teams. Additionally, many cities beyond those where the 104 matches will be played will be used as base – camps for competing teams.
The FIFA President told the delegates that US cities are expected to enjoy a significant collective economic booster some USD 30 billion as over seven million fans around the world come to the to the tournament.
“We are thrilled to welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA World Cup Trophy to our winter meeting of the US Conference of Mayors said the US USCM President, Mayor, David Holt in a soccer media post: His generous and spontaneous announcement announcement of a donation of 200 socer balls to every member city was a highlight of the week.
