Story perspectives

2026 World Cup Exceeds Forecasts, Infantino Announces 2034 Saudi Host

7/22/2026

Summary

Argentina Wins

The 2026 World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico earned billions beyond FIFA’s forecasts.
Argentina beat Spain in final, achieving a 40.6% share and 1,576,000 viewers on Israel’s Kan 11.
Kan 11’s rating topped Eurovision’s 32.7% share and 1.042 million viewers, highest since 1998 final’s 43.8% share.
FIFA sent all profits to Switzerland.
Gianni Infantino announced a 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia and 2038 World Cup in the United States.

Summary

FIFA Faces Backlash

Exorbitant ticket prices barred countless fans from the 2026 World Cup, prompting criticism of FIFA’s pricing policy.
President Donald Trump lobbied FIFA president Gianni Infantino to suspend USMNT striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban during the knockout stage.
The tournament introduced three-minute hydration breaks, which players and fans denounced as disruptive.
After a loss to Belgium, US coach Mauricio Pochettino received a “D” grade for his USMNT performance.

History

Historical Context

FIFA chose the United States as 1994 World Cup host on July 4 1988, citing its ready stadiums and a $500 million budget, and the tournament ran June 17–July 17 1994, drawing 3.6 million spectators and Brazil’s first penalty-shootout victory. The financial success paved the way for the 2026 bid, which FIFA awarded on June 13 2018 to the Canada-Mexico-U.S. trio, marking the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations.

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Argentina Wins

The 2026 World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico earned billions beyond FIFA’s forecasts.
Argentina beat Spain in final, achieving a 40.6% share and 1,576,000 viewers on Israel’s Kan 11.
Kan 11’s rating topped Eurovision’s 32.7% share and 1.042 million viewers, highest since 1998 final’s 43.8% share.
FIFA sent all profits to Switzerland.
Gianni Infantino announced a 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia and 2038 World Cup in the United States.

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