Observer Programme provides future hosts and sports organisations with first-hand insight into FIFA World Cup delivery

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has captivated fans around the world, but for those charged with organising the next wave of FIFA tournaments it has also provided deep learnings and insights into the complex operations required to stage an event of this scale.

FIFA Observer Programme group photo in Miami

Observers visit the VAR room at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas

Delegations from the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ used the experience to shape preparations for next year’s tournament

Observers pose for a group photo at Inter Miami CF Stadium

Observers visiting the Tournament Operations Centre in Miami

FIFA Observer Programme at the Dallas Fan Festival 

Nicholas Rozenberg, FIFA Director of Strategy

A general view of Observer Programme 

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Observer Programme was designed to host three groups of Observers in succession

Future Hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2030 and 2034 gained a first-hand view of tournament delivery

Over 200 Observers from more than 50 organisations and entities took part in this year’s event

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Observer Programme

FIFA Observer Programme - Dallas

Observer Programme provides first-hand insight into FIFA World Cup™ delivery

Letter that connected disabled family with Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I couldn't let them down'

A chance meeting during routine FIFA World Cup 2026™ accessibility checks at the Colombia v Portugal match in Miami set in motion a dream come true. Two footballs signed by Cristiano Ronaldo were presented to children who suffer from muscular dystrophy.

Anna Berestovsky and her son Vladimir

Two footballs signed by Cristiano Ronaldo were presented to young Berestovsky brothers 

Letter that connected disabled family with Cristiano Ronaldo

FIFA Integrity Task Force identifies no suspicious betting activity during FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA Integrity Task Force, established to safeguard all FIFA competitions against match manipulation‑related threats, has successfully concluded its FIFA World Cup 2026™ operations after monitoring betting markets and on-field activity in real time.

FIFA Integrity Task Force 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina

FIFA President delighted by ‘record-smashing’ FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026’s legacy in North America – winning hearts and minds

The event has been an unprecedented cultural success across North America, with numerous attendance and viewership records shattered 

Spain lift the FIFA World Cup 2026™

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said the FIFA World Cup 2026™ “destroyed every record” after the first 48-team edition in the tournament’s history came to a spectacular end.

Rodri #16 of Spain is presented the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy by U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Spain complete unprecedented global double as new milestones on the pitch define historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ finale

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ reached a historic conclusion as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in New York New Jersey to lift the most coveted prize in world football.

Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain, lifts the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy

Champions Spain surge to summit of FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking

The curtain came down on an unforgettable and historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ yesterday when Spain reclaimed pole position in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

Ferran Torres #7 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Spain crowned champions as curtain falls on FIFA World Cup 2026 in New York New Jersey

The curtain came down in New York New Jersey on the game-changing FIFA World Cup 2026™ as Spain become the first team to win the 48-edition of the tournament, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra-time in a dramatic, action-packed final.

Spain v Argentina: Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Spain crowned FIFA World Cup 2026™ Champions in New York New Jersey

The game-changing FIFA World Cup 2026™ came to a thrilling close on Sunday, with Spain claiming their second FIFA World Cup™ crown courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

Rodri #16 of Spain lifts the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy 

First-ever FIFA World Cup™ Topps Final Halftime Show provides a creative brand platform

FIFA has announced that Topps has secured naming rights for the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ Final Halftime Show at New York New Jersey Stadium today. 

Miami Stadium signs off from FIFA World Cup 2026 with 10-goal thriller 

Miami Stadium closed out its programme at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in extraordinary fashion as England beat France 6-4 in the bronze final, with a sold-out 64,478 crowd treated to a rare feast of goals and entertainment.

Fireworks explode after the national anthems before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England 

Arsene Wenger

Expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup “a great success,” says Arsène Wenger

Football for Schools tournament takes place at FIFA Arena in Central Park

More than 80 young players from the Street Soccer USA organisation took part in a football tournament in at the FIFA Arena in New York’s Central Park, organised by the FIFA Football for Schools programme. 

Football for Schools tournament at FIFA Arena in Central Park

Group photo at the Football For Schools Tournament in Central Park

The first ever 48-team FIFA World Cup™ delivered tight contests and great storylines, while fears of a dilution of quality proved unfounded, according to Arsène Wenger, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development.

FIFA Technical Study Group members pose for a photo

Gianni Infantino lauds “incredible success story” as FIFA World Cup 2026™ reaches historic climax

FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke to FIFA Member Association (MA) executives on Saturday in New York, the site of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Spain and Argentina.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Member Association Breakfast

FIFA President Gianni Infantino aims to “unleash the commercial potential and opportunity that FIFA has” after FIFA World Cup 2026™ success

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said the resounding success of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Canada, Mexico and the United States has provided new “opportunities that we don’t use today” for investment in the game and states.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Member Association Breakfast 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses with the FIFA World Cup Trophy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström pose next to the FIFA World Cup Trophy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Member Association Breakfast

FIFA Medical: CPR training and Public Health Engagement in NYC

Young players taught Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

FIFA moderates more than 53 million posts and comments during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ through Social Media Protection Service

As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium draws near, FIFA’s positive social impact initiatives throughout the tournament continue to leave a lasting legacy.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy in New York City ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen at Grand Central Terminal 

FIFA marks the global countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final at New York’s Grand Central Terminal

When the clock strikes three: FIFA marks the global countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final at New York’s Grand Central Terminal

On Sunday, 19 July, at precisely 3:00 PM EDT, Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić’s whistle will signal the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final – the biggest match in football history. To mark that moment, FIFA created a striking visual tribute.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen in front of the Clock at Grand Central Terminal 

(L-R) David Trezeguet, Oscar Ustari, Javier Zanetti and Javier Pastore during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Reception 

FIFA Legends pose for a group photo

FIFA Legends Fernando Llorente and Marco Materazzi

FIFA Legends Marco Materazzi, Roberto Baggio and Javier Zanetti

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the United States Donald J. Trump pose for a photograph with FIFA Member Association Presidents 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the United States Donald J. Trump pose for a photograph with FIFA Legends 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with President of the United States Donald J. Trump, along with FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, pose for a photograph with FIFA Council Members 

FIFA Legends Patrick Kluivert, Christian Vieri and Gabriel Batistuta

(L-R) Vozinha, FIFA Council Member Randy Harris and FIFA Legend René Higuita during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Reception at Trump Tower

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Reception

Gianni Infantino: FIFA World Cup 2026™ has 'exceeded all expectations'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has declared that the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has surpassed every expectation set for it and has been the “greatest FIFA World Cup of all time”.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the United States Donald J. Trump

FIFA President addresses United Nations conference on youth mental health

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed a United Nations Youth Office (UNYO) conference on youth mental health, saying that it is another example of an area where football’s benefits can be felt well beyond the confines of the pitch.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the United Nations Youth Office conference on youth mental health

FIFA World Cup 2026™ - how teams choose their kits

FIFA World Cup 2026™ kit selection is an intricate process made simple by the FIFA Competition Management team. “The process itself… is not just a single walkthrough,” says Nick Thurston, FIFA’s Senior Competition Manager.

Rodri, Alex Baena, Lamine Yamal and Unai Simon of Spain and Emiliano Martinez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez of Argentina

FIFA World Cup 2026™ shines spotlight on FIFA Clearing House and training rewards as USD 1 billion milestone approaches

Since getting up and running in November 2022, the FIFA Clearing House has transformed the calculation and distribution of training rewards across world football, with almost USD 1 billion in training rewards generated in that period

FIFA emblem on the pitch

 “Refereeing is all about teamwork. So, without them, without Tomaž and Andraž, this is not possible,” Slavko Vinčić  said.

Slovenian Slavko Vinčić named FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final referee

Slovenian Slavko Vinčić to take charge of FIFA World Cup 2026™ final

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July, describing the opportunity as an “incredible honour”. 

Slavko Vincic and Jesus Valenzuela 

“An easy skill with life-changing consequences”: Young players taught Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Young footballers have been taught about the potentially life-saving skill of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) during a session in New York’s Central Park as part of FIFA’s efforts to use football to promote health. 

FIFA President Speaks at United Nations 

Spain and Argentina set up historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ final as record-breaking tournament reaches its climax

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has moved into its decisive final stage following the semi-finals, with Spain and Argentina confirmed as the two teams who will contest the showpiece match of the biggest and most inclusive edition in history.

The Final July 19 visual with the crests of Spain and Argentina is displayed against the Manhattan skyline during the FIFA Drone show

Bellingham praise for Boston’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Unsung Hero

Named Unsung Hero of Boston, Gary Newell was rewarded for his commitment during this edition of the FIFA World Cup™ and beyond

France v Morocco: Quarter Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Fan's dementia awareness efforts lead him pitchside for FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final 

Jordan Adams, a dementia awareness advocate from Redditch, England, attended the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia as a guest of FIFA.

Jordan Adams attending the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between England and Argentina 

Boston's Unsung Hero

FIFA welcomes Court of Justice of the European Union decision on FIFA Football Agent Regulations

FIFA welcomes today’s judgment handed down by the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR).

FIFA pen

For Sunday's final, German official Bastian Dankert takes on the VAR role, assisted by Colombian Nicolás Gallo, with Qatari official Khamis Al Marri providing support.

Jesús Valenzuela will be assisted by compatriots Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno. Morocco’s Jalal Jayed has been named the fourth official and fellow Moroccan Zakaria Brinsi the reserve assistant referee.

Mr Collina said the major factor behind the appointment to the final was performance throughout the tournament.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić and Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela pose for a photo.

Slavko Vinčić will become the first Slovenian to referee a FIFA World Cup™ final 

For the third-place playoff between France and England at Miami Stadium, Venezuela's Jesús Valenzuela has been appointed as referee

Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the fourth official for the final, with his compatriot Mohammad Al-Kalaf as reserve assistant referee.

"Of course it’s emotional for the referees, but it is very emotional also for me,” Mr Collina said.

“So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the (FIFA) World Cup final,” Slavko Vinčić said. 

Mr Collina said it was always a special feeling to announce the appointment. 

Vinčić was quick to share the credit for his achievement with the officiating team around him, in particular his assistant referees Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič.

The 46-year-old from Maribor, Slovenia, was informed of his appointment by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee,.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July

Referee Announcement for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final and the Bronze Final

Messi inspires Argentina to FIFA World Cup 2026™ final to round off Atlanta hosting duties

Lionel Messi and Argentina were the stars of Atlanta Stadium’s swansong as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ venue with the defending champions beating England to set up a meeting with Spain in Sunday’s final. 

All FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ news