Gianni Infantino Says the 2026 World Cup Will Unite the World

FIFA believes football is the most democratic sport in the world, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be an event capable of uniting millions of people globally. That was the message delivered by FIFA president Gianni Infantino during his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Infantino emphasized that the World Cup to be hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada will mark a turning point in the tournament’s history—not only because of its sporting scale, but also due to its social, cultural, and economic impact on the host nations and the world at large. He explained that the 2026 edition will be the first to feature 48 national teams, allowing for broader representation from countries and regions that previously had limited or inconsistent participation on the global stage. In total, 104 matches will be played across 16 host cities.

The FIFA president also highlighted that the expanded format will make more fans feel connected to the tournament, strengthening the bond between football and local communities while reinforcing the inclusive nature of the world’s most popular sport. According to FIFA estimates, the 2026 World Cup could generate approximately €70 billion in global economic activity and create nearly 825,000 full-time jobs, figures that underscore the massive scale of the event.

Beyond the financial impact, Infantino stressed the tournament’s ability to transform the social atmosphere by bringing together people from different cultures, languages, and beliefs around a shared passion: football.

He recalled that in previous editions, such as Qatar 2022, the global mood shifted once the tournament began, turning the World Cup into a worldwide celebration. For FIFA, the 2026 World Cup aims to replicate that effect and solidify its place as an event that truly unites the world through sport.