What happened

Speaking at the America Business Forum (ABF) held at Miami’s Kaseya Center, Gianni Infantino addressed an audience of business executives, sports leaders and global stakeholders about the transformative role of football (soccer) as a driver of economic growth, community development and cross-border cooperation.
He placed particular emphasis on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first to be hosted by three nations (United States, Canada and Mexico) and to feature 48 teams and 104 matches.

Football as an economic engine

Infantino framed the sport as “an official provider of happiness to humanity” and stressed that its growth is measurable in both economic and social metrics.
He referenced key figures: the last World Cup drew “three and a half million spectators in stadiums and five billion viewers on TV.” In advance of 2026 he projected “seven million spectators in the stadiums and six billion viewers.”
This growth, he argued, opens large investment opportunities: infrastructure, hospitality, media rights, regional tourism and community-building programs.

World Cup 2026: scale, hosts and opportunity

Infantino outlined what the 2026 edition means in practical terms. It will feature:

• 48 national teams (up from 32).
• 104 matches across North America: the bulk in the U.S., along with venues in Canada and Mexico.
• Estimated billions of dollars in associated economic activity and millions of visitors.

He emphasized that the United States in particular stands to gain heavily from hosting, both in terms of direct spending and long-term legacy. Miami’s role as a host city and business hub was singled out.

Inclusion, community and the “Football Unites the World” promise

Beyond economics, Infantino stressed football’s power for social good: giving “every talent in every corner of the world the opportunity and the chance to dream.”
He highlighted programmes for women’s and youth football, and committed that FIFA’s revenues feed development in 211 member countries.

Key quotes from the stage

• “Football, or soccer, unites the world. It brings people together from the entire planet.”
• “This is the magnitude of what football is about, so we want to unite and we want to contribute when we see what is happening in our world today, which is a very divided world.”
• “Our objective … is to make football truly global, but … to give every talent in every corner of the world the opportunity and the chance to dream.”

Why it matters

For business leaders, the remarks signal:

• Massive event logistics and infrastructure opportunities tied to World Cup 2026.
• Media, broadcast and sponsorship growth as football expands its global reach.
• Growth potential in “soft-power” and community engagement through sport as corporate ESG interest increases.

For host cities like Miami, the referendum is clear: leverage sport to gain capital flows, tourism, and global positioning.

What to watch next

• Release of FIFA’s full commercial plan for World Cup 2026 and associated broadcast/sponsorship deals.
• Infrastructure announcements from U.S., Canada and Mexico host cities (stadiums, transports, hospitality) linked to the event.
• Updates to FIFA’s community investment initiatives as part of its social strategy ahead of 2026.
• Any regulatory or visa-related policies that affect fan mobility and event travel logistics.