Al-Amn Magazine

rationale behind moving away from the local organizing committee model. Still, FIFA has leaned heavily on each of the 16 host cities — 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico and two in Canada. Each city, under its agreement with FIFA, is responsible for facilitating and funding security, transportation, fan fests and other infrastructure within their market. Hopfinger, the first employee FIFA hired to work on 2026, said managing relationships with the host cities is the most involved part of her job. Sources said U.S. host cities are seeking to raise between $100 million and $150 million to cover their obligations and develop legacy programs. In addition to government funding, the availability of which varies by jurisdiction, and private contributions, FIFA for the first time has given host cities the ability to sell local commercial rights. That host city supporter programme, however, has its limitations. At the start of June, only three cities (Houston, Los Angeles and Seattle) had announced deals under the programme, raising concerns about how cities will cover their costs. Leaders are hoping for a surge in interest around the “one year out” mark. More than half of the host cities have announced the sites for their primary World Cup fan fests, which FIFA mandates each city organize. The size and scope of their fan fests will likely be influenced by their ability to raise money. In the months leading up to the tournament, Hopfinger said FIFA plans to deploy teams of 10- 15 employees in each of the host cities to work with the local organizers on safety, security and venue operations. “We’ve done a lot of work over the last few years, but now it’s really putting plans into place and getting close to being in operational mode, which I think will kick off in earnest early next year,” Hopfinger said. Of course, concerns before hosting a major event are nothing new. Before the last U.S.-based World Cup in 1994, the sport was in a much different place than it is now, and that event was so successful it led to the launch of MLS. “The fans are going to love it. The teams will have had a good experience,” said Alan Rothenberg, the former U.S. Soccer president who led the 1994 World Cup local organizing committee. “They won’t know what difficulties there may have been.” sportsbusinessjournal.com