FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the greatest tournaments in football history, calling it an “incredible success” that brought joy to billions of fans worldwide. Speaking after the tournament, Infantino praised both the on-field performances and the organizational efforts behind the scenes, expressing pride in everyone who contributed to making the competition a truly memorable spectacle.
Gianni Infantino congratulated Spain on becoming world champions, stating they fully deserved the title after an outstanding campaign. He also applauded Argentina for their impressive tournament, and highlighted the performances of football’s biggest stars, including Rodri—who was named Player of the Tournament—alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham. Infantino further praised the emergence of new talents and memorable underdog stories, particularly noting Cape Verde’s remarkable run.
According to Infantino, the tournament shattered several records, with nearly seven million fans attending matches and more than six billion viewers tuning in from around the world. He noted that the World Cup produced over 300 goals—almost three per match—making it one of the most entertaining editions in the competition’s history.
Looking ahead, Infantino turned his attention to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will mark the tournament’s centenary. Set to be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco—with commemorative matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay—he said that FIFA will evaluate potential changes before then. These include the possibility of expanding the tournament to 64 teams, reviewing the offside law, and assessing other competition regulations as preparations begin for this historic edition.
