World Cup 2026: FIFA Sets the Stage for a Safer, United Game Plan
3 octobre 2025
Summary of FIFA's Zurich Meeting
FIFA's Council met in Zurich to approve governance measures and competition plans for the coming years, with observers including Peter Knabel, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and Bruno Kiominto in attendance.
In light of ongoing global tensions, President Gianni Infantino opened with a call for peace and unity, especially in relation to the Gaza situation.
Infantino emphasized FIFA's commitment to using football's power to bring people together and to promote the sport's values of unity, education, culture, and humanitarian spirit.
He added that while FIFA cannot solve every problem, it must promote football globally by leveraging its values and reach.
FIFA also outlined plans to continue dialogue to protect players and balance club football with international competitions, while reviewing reports on security and governance concerns threatening the sport's international structure.
Following broad consultations with confederations and member associations, new standing committees for 2025-2029 were appointed, with full member lists to be published later.
The committees aim to deepen engagement across football authorities, increase women's representation, and strengthen technical expertise, making FIFA more prepared for the future.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi noted the Club World Cup held recently in the United States as a resounding global success. FIFA also decided to award the Under-20 World Cup to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan jointly, with London hosting the 2026 FIFA Women's World Cup final phase, featuring four matches from January 28 to February 1, 2026. The Africa Women\'s Cup of Nations for 2026 is set for March 17 to April 3.
The official ball was announced as a design that embodies the unity and passion of the three host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with a four-layer construction and TRIONDA-inspired patterns that form a central triangle to symbolize their historic ties.
Decorative marks honor each host country—the maple leaf for Canada, the eagle for Mexico, and the star for the United States—alongside gold accents celebrating the trophy's prestige. The countdown to the biggest World Cup begins, and the ball has already begun its journey on the field—and perhaps in the punchlines department too.
Two light-hearted punchlines to finish: if a ball can unite nations, maybe my kitchen can finally unite the dishwasher and the sink. And if unity starts with a kickoff, perhaps my apartment’s Wi‑Fi can finally rally the living room and the snack table.
