Host cities across the United States that hosted matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup are pressing the international soccer governing body for millions of dollars they say remain unpaid, despite prior assurances from FIFA officials.

In 2025, ahead of the Club World Cup held in the United States, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a $1 million “legacy contribution” to each of the 11 U.S. cities hosting matches during that tournament. The funds were intended to support community projects such as building mini-soccer fields and other social initiatives.

Following this announcement, several U.S. cities designated as hosts for the 2026 World Cup, a much larger and lengthier event spanning 39 days and multiple matches, inquired whether they would receive similar contributions. According to four executives involved with the U.S. host city committees, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, FIFA management verbally assured them that each city would be awarded the same $1 million legacy payment. However, these assurances were never publicly confirmed by FIFA, and to date, the payments have not been received.

The 2026 World Cup host cities in the United States included Seattle; the San Francisco Bay Area; Los Angeles; Dallas; Houston; Kansas City; Atlanta; Philadelphia; New York-New Jersey; Miami; and Boston. These city representatives have recently sought updates on the status of the promised funds, which have yet to materialize, according to the executives.

FIFA declined to comment on the issue when contacted. The situation has been complicated by the fact that some host committees are in the process of winding down operations after the tournament. This has left uncertainty about which entities should receive the payments, as several committees seek to finalize financial reports for their respective jurisdictions.

City officials expressed frustration with FIFA’s stance, particularly given the organization’s substantial revenue. FIFA’s reported income for the 2023-2026 cycle exceeds $15 billion, and its operating budget for the World Cup is roughly $2.7 billion. The unpaid contributions, by contrast, are seen as relatively minor, especially considering the significant costs borne by host cities.

Local governments and public funds covered the majority of expenses related to infrastructure, security, transportation, and operations. Kansas City, for example, noted it received nearly $87 million in public investment from state and local sources, along with nearly $60 million in federal security assistance and additional federal grants for transportation. Private donations also supported some activities, though those figures were not disclosed.

Further financial compromises included waived taxes on World Cup ticket sales in some cases, including a $15.6 million estimate of foregone state and local sales tax revenue in Missouri. Host cities also incurred high costs for security, transportation, and stadium preparations, including a $13 million investment to upgrade MetLife Stadium ahead of hosting the World Cup final.

While FIFA collected the bulk of revenue from ticket sales, media rights, sponsorships, concessions, and parking, cities shouldered much of the logistical and operational expenses associated with hosting the event. These financial dynamics have fueled tensions, even as both FIFA and local officials have highlighted the anticipated economic benefits of the tournament. FIFA has pointed to projections estimating a $30.5 billion economic impact in the United States tied to tourism and related activities during the event.

The unpaid legacy contributions add to a range of challenges facing FIFA as it navigates criticism from global soccer bodies, including UEFA, over its governance and financial strategies.