Expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup “a great success,” says Arsène Wenger

The first ever 48-team FIFA World Cup™ delivered tight contests and great storylines, while fears of a dilution of quality proved unfounded, according to Arsène Wenger, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development.

FIFA Technical Study Group members pose for a photo

Gianni Infantino lauds “incredible success story” as FIFA World Cup 2026™ reaches historic climax

FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke to FIFA Member Association (MA) executives on Saturday in New York, the site of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Spain and Argentina.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Member Association Breakfast

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses with the FIFA World Cup Trophy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström pose next to the FIFA World Cup Trophy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Member Association Breakfast

FIFA Medical: CPR training and Public Health Engagement in NYC

Young players taught Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

FIFA moderates more than 53 million posts and comments during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ through Social Media Protection Service

As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium draws near, FIFA’s positive social impact initiatives throughout the tournament continue to leave a lasting legacy.

FIFA World Cup Trophy in New York City Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen at Grand Central Terminal

FIFA marks the global countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final at New York’s Grand Central Terminal

When the clock strikes three: FIFA marks the global countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final at New York’s Grand Central Terminal

On Sunday, 19 July, at precisely 3:00 PM EDT, Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić’s whistle will signal the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final – the biggest match in football history. To mark that moment, FIFA created a striking visual tribute.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen in front of the Clock at Grand Central Terminal 

Gianni Infantino: FIFA World Cup 2026™ has 'exceeded all expectations'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has declared that the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has surpassed every expectation set for it and has been the “greatest FIFA World Cup of all time”.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the United States Donald J. Trump

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the United States Donald J. Trump pose for a photograph with FIFA Member Association Presidents 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with President of the United States Donald J. Trump, along with FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, pose for a photograph with FIFA Council Members 

(L-R) David Trezeguet, Oscar Ustari, Javier Zanetti and Javier Pastore during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Reception 

(L-R) Vozinha, FIFA Council Member Randy Harris and FIFA Legend René Higuita during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Reception at Trump Tower

 Arrivals prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Reception at Trump Tower 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the United States Donald J. Trump pose for a photograph with FIFA Legends 

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Reception

FIFA President addresses United Nations conference on youth mental health

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed a United Nations Youth Office (UNYO) conference on youth mental health, saying that it is another example of an area where football’s benefits can be felt well beyond the confines of the pitch.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the United Nations Youth Office conference on youth mental health

FIFA World Cup 2026™ - how teams choose their kits

FIFA World Cup 2026™ kit selection is an intricate process made simple by the FIFA Competition Management team. “The process itself… is not just a single walkthrough,” says Nick Thurston, FIFA’s Senior Competition Manager.

Rodri, Alex Baena, Lamine Yamal and Unai Simon of Spain and Emiliano Martinez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez of Argentina

FIFA World Cup 2026™ shines spotlight on FIFA Clearing House and training rewards as USD 1 billion milestone approaches

Since getting up and running in November 2022, the FIFA Clearing House has transformed the calculation and distribution of training rewards across world football, with almost USD 1 billion in training rewards generated in that period

FIFA emblem on the pitch

 “Refereeing is all about teamwork. So, without them, without Tomaž and Andraž, this is not possible,” Slavko Vinčić  said.

Slovenian Slavko Vinčić named FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final referee

Slovenian Slavko Vinčić to take charge of FIFA World Cup 2026™ final

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July, describing the opportunity as an “incredible honour”. 

Slavko Vincic and Jesus Valenzuela 

“An easy skill with life-changing consequences”: Young players taught Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Young footballers have been taught about the potentially life-saving skill of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) during a session in New York’s Central Park as part of FIFA’s efforts to use football to promote health. 

FIFA President Speaks at United Nations 

Spain and Argentina set up historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ final as record-breaking tournament reaches its climax

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has moved into its decisive final stage following the semi-finals, with Spain and Argentina confirmed as the two teams who will contest the showpiece match of the biggest and most inclusive edition in history.

The Final July 19 visual with the crests of Spain and Argentina is displayed against the Manhattan skyline during the FIFA Drone show

Bellingham praise for Boston’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Unsung Hero

Named Unsung Hero of Boston, Gary Newell was rewarded for his commitment during this edition of the FIFA World Cup™ and beyond

France v Morocco: Quarter Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Fan's dementia awareness efforts lead him pitchside for FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final 

Jordan Adams, a dementia awareness advocate from Redditch, England, attended the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia as a guest of FIFA.

Jordan Adams attending the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between England and Argentina 

Boston's Unsung Hero

FIFA welcomes Court of Justice of the European Union decision on FIFA Football Agent Regulations

FIFA welcomes today’s judgment handed down by the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR).

FIFA pen

For Sunday's final, German official Bastian Dankert takes on the VAR role, assisted by Colombian Nicolás Gallo, with Qatari official Khamis Al Marri providing support.

Jesús Valenzuela will be assisted by compatriots Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno. Morocco’s Jalal Jayed has been named the fourth official and fellow Moroccan Zakaria Brinsi the reserve assistant referee.

Mr Collina said the major factor behind the appointment to the final was performance throughout the tournament.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić and Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela pose for a photo.

Slavko Vinčić will become the first Slovenian to referee a FIFA World Cup™ final 

For the third-place playoff between France and England at Miami Stadium, Venezuela's Jesús Valenzuela has been appointed as referee

Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the fourth official for the final, with his compatriot Mohammad Al-Kalaf as reserve assistant referee.

"Of course it’s emotional for the referees, but it is very emotional also for me,” Mr Collina said.

“So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the (FIFA) World Cup final,” Slavko Vinčić said. 

Mr Collina said it was always a special feeling to announce the appointment. 

Vinčić was quick to share the credit for his achievement with the officiating team around him, in particular his assistant referees Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič.

The 46-year-old from Maribor, Slovenia, was informed of his appointment by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee,.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July

Referee Announcement for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final and the Bronze Final

Messi inspires Argentina to FIFA World Cup 2026™ final to round off Atlanta hosting duties

Lionel Messi and Argentina were the stars of Atlanta Stadium’s swansong as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ venue with the defending champions beating England to set up a meeting with Spain in Sunday’s final. 

Players and match officials line up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina

Spain beat France in semi-final thriller to conclude Dallas’ FIFA World Cup 2026

A high-stakes semi-final encounter between France and Spain was a fitting finale to Dallas Stadium’s stellar contribution to the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Players and match officials line up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. 

Post Malone to headline FIFA World Cup 2026™ closing ceremony

As the world prepares for football’s most anticipated match, an international music icon will take centre stage. Global superstar Post Malone will headline the FIFA World Cup 2026™ closing ceremony, delivering a landmark performance in the final

FIFA World Cup 2026™ closing ceremony

African MA presidents hail Atlanta stadium and 'best in history' FIFA World Cup

Presidents of several African FIFA Member Associations (MAs) visited Atlanta Stadium, touring the venue and meeting Mayor Andre Dickens, ahead of Wednesday's FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between England and Argentina.

Joe and Kiki: the Dallas duo’s extraordinary bond at FIFA World Cup 2026™

Man's best friend is usually found by the fireside, not on FIFA World Cup 2026™ duty. But Kiki, the service dog of Dallas, Texas volunteer Joe Flores, has spent the past weeks at the heart of the greatest show on Earth.

Joe and Kiki: the Dallas duo’s extraordinary bond at FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026™ closing ceremony to celebrate historic tournament ahead of the final

New York New Jersey Stadium will bring the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup™ to a close with spectacular ceremony on Sunday, 19 July, starting at 13:30 local time

FWC26 Closing ceremony 

Louis Vuitton to present bespoke trophy trunk at FIFA World Cup 2026™ final following Official Supplier and Branded Licensee appointment

Louis Vuitton has been named Official Supplier and Branded Licensee of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, presenting the official bespoke trophy trunk designed to transport and showcase the most iconic trophy in sports.

Louis Vuitton to present bespoke trophy trunk at FIFA World Cup 2026™ final 

"I love soccer, I love volunteering and I just wanted to be part of something bigger than myself", he said.

In Boston, Massachusetts, Gary Newel was part of the anti-doping team for three weeks, or seven matches – bringing the same spirit of service that has always guided him. 

In recognition of his dedication to others during not only the competition but throughout his life, Newel was named Boston’s Unsung Hero.

"To receive a ‘thank you’ means a lot to me, and I will definitely use it as fuel, moving forward to help as many people as I can,” declared Newel

Messages from fellow volunteers and players he had coached were shown on the giant screen before Kevin Clark, one of Gary’s former players and now Director of Venue Operations in Boston, presented him with a replica FIFA World Cup™ Trophy

Boston’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ boom leaves city’s economic future bright

The spectacular economic impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on Boston, Massachusetts will be felt years after the tournament comes to an end, leading figures in the American city have said.

 A general view as the sun sets at the FIFA Fan Festival in Boston

A general view of the Boston skyline

FWC26 - Unsung Heroes - Dallas

Lionel Messi magic and record crowds crown Kansas City's FIFA World Cup story

From the opening whistle of the group stage to the celebrations of defending champions Argentina after the quarter-final, Kansas City Stadium, one of the great sports venues in the United States, has given the FIFA World Cup 2026™ six matches to remember.

Players and match officials line up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium

Unsung Hero Vera lauded by Captain America for her selfless contribution

Vera Gonzalez-Howard dissolved into tears saying “I don’t deserve this”, as USA captain Tim Ream offered praise and thanks for her contribution during the FIFA World Cup 26™ while gifting the Mexican-born US Citizen a Fourth of July decorated cake. 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Mascots promote sustainability

The Planet is Our Field 

One of the most popular aspects of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been the mascots, with Maple™ the Moose, Zayu™ the Jaguar and Clutch™ the Bald Eagle proving popular with fans at stadiums and FIFA Fan Festivals across all 16 Host Cities.

The Planet is Our Field is a FIFA World Cup 2026 sustainability awareness activation 

Spain gives Los Angeles Stadium’s FIFA World Cup run a fitting Hollywood farewell

Over four unforgettable weeks, Los Angeles Stadium has provided the stage for some of the most memorable moments of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, played out in front of packed crowds at the breathtaking, state-of-the art venue.

A view during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10, 2026 in Inglewood, United States.

'Once a volunteer, always a volunteer': the FIFA World Cup 2026 story of Paula Pontes

For many of its 50,000 volunteers, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been their first taste of the unique experience of being at the heart of a big, global football tournament, but there are a small group who have become veterans of the volunteer team.

'Once a volunteer, always a volunteer': the FIFA World Cup 2026 story of Paula Pontes 

From the FIFA World Cup to the dinner tables of Kansas City’s families in need

FIFA is supporting the recovery and donation of surplus food from tournament venues in Kansas City. Pete’s Garden is the organisation responsible for repackaging the food and coordinating its distribution

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