Editor’s note: This article was written by Alex Silverman first appeared in Sports Business Journal, the industry’s leading source of sports business news, events and data.
In response to financial concerns from North American cities selected to host matches as part of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has indicated privately that it plans to offer those cities greater flexibility related to their obligation to host FIFA Fan Fest events during the tournament. Host city leaders are hopeful this will deliver opportunities to generate additional revenue and control expenses but are waiting for more details and official documentation before celebrating the changes.
According to a host city agreement reviewed by Sports Business Journal, each of the 16 host cities is financially responsible for operating a free fan entertainment area, featuring public viewing of match telecasts, in accordance with a yet-to-be-released FIFA Fan Fest Event Manual. The contract states this manual will be delivered to the host cities no later than May 31 of this year, though numerous official timelines associated with the 2026 World Cup have come and gone without action.
While the agreement points to the forthcoming manual for the official parameters, it offers some indication of what FIFA initially expected from the host cities. It calls for the fan zone to be open every day of the monthlong competition, regardless of whether games are being held in a particular city that day, and that there be only one officially designated viewing event in each city. In addition, initial bid guidelines said each fan fest location must be able to host at least 15,000 visitors at a time.
According to multiple host city sources, however, FIFA officials informed them during meetings in Mexico City last month that the governing body would allow the cities greater flexibility in planning their own fan zones. That guidance included FIFA stating that the municipalities wouldn’t be required to have an official fan…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply