FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the organization will send 100,000 soccer balls to 500 American cities in an attempt to generate excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Infantino made the announcement while addressing delegates at the United States Conference of Mayors’ (USCM) Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Each of the 500 member cities represented at the meeting will receive 200 soccer balls in the build-up to the tournament, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
According to a post obtained from FIFA’s website on Sunday, the balls can then be used in celebratory events in the build-up to the tournament, which kicks off on June 11.
With 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the 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 event,” the FIFA president said.
During the meeting, Infantino met the mayors of each of the 11 US-based host cities for the tournament, which will be the first to feature 48 teams.
