FIFA President Gianni Infantino has underlined the scale and significance of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 after addressing the FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Workshop in Atlanta, United States.
In a message shared on social media, the FIFA boss described the workshop as a “vital milestone” on the road to the global showpiece, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“It was a pleasure to address the FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Workshop in Atlanta, welcoming the operational leaders of our FIFA Member Associations to a vital milestone on the road to the @fifaworldcup,” Infantino stated.
The workshop brings together key operational leaders from FIFA’s Member Associations as preparations intensify for what is set to be the largest World Cup in history.
The 2026 edition will feature an expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches – a significant increase from the 32-team structure used in previous tournaments.
Infantino stressed that FIFA is engaging across every major functional area to ensure seamless organisation and delivery of the tournament across the three North American host nations.
“Over the coming days, we will engage across every key functional area as we prepare for 48 teams and 104 matches at what will be the largest sporting and social event in history,” he noted.
With the qualification campaign entering its decisive phase in several confederations, the FIFA President added that the full lineup of participating nations will soon be confirmed.
He reiterated the world governing body’s commitment to providing a world-class environment for teams, players, officials and Member Associations.
“At FIFA we are determined to provide a top-class environment for every team, player, official and FIFA Member Association,” Infantino assured.
The 2026 tournament, scheduled to be staged across 16 host cities, is expected to redefine the global footprint of the World Cup, expanding participation opportunities for nations across Africa, Asia and other confederations.
For African teams, the expanded format offers increased qualification slots, raising hopes of a stronger continental presence on football’s biggest stage.
As preparations gather pace, the Atlanta workshop marks another step towards delivering what FIFA believes will be a historic and transformative edition of the World Cup.