FIFA has unveiled a nationwide grassroots initiative aimed at building momentum for the 2026 World Cup, announcing plans to distribute 100,000 footballs to cities across the United States.
The initiative was disclosed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino while speaking at the United States Conference of Mayors’ (USCM) Winter Meeting held in Washington, D.C., where hundreds of city leaders gathered to discuss urban development and national priorities.
Under the plan, each of the 500 US cities represented at the meeting will receive 200 footballs in the lead-up to the global tournament, which the United States will jointly host with Canada and Mexico.
FIFA said the footballs are intended to support community celebrations, youth programmes and public events designed to generate excitement ahead of the competition, which is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026.
According to information published on FIFA’s official website on Sunday, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to embed the World Cup experience beyond host stadiums and into local communities nationwide.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring an expanded format and matches spread across multiple cities in North America. FIFA has repeatedly emphasised the importance of grassroots engagement as part of its legacy plans for the event.
By involving hundreds of cities ahead of the tournament, the football body hopes to deepen public connection to the World Cup and ensure that excitement for the competition reaches communities far beyond match venues.
