FIFA faces a rebellion from two of its most influential member associations. The Football Association (FA) and US Soccer Federation are demanding that FIFA loosen its grip on the Women’s World Cup, warning that the next two tournaments could be derailed if local hosts are sidelined.
Local Power Grab or Necessary Pushback?
Forget nostalgia or tradition. The FA and US Soccer are pushing back because they’ve seen firsthand what happens when FIFA takes over every aspect of a tournament. The men’s World Cup this summer has become a cautionary tale: soaring ticket prices, public spats with city governments, and a growing sense that the world’s biggest football party is now dictated by outsiders with no real stake in the host communities.
Consider the ticket prices for this summer’s final: $10,990. That’s the reality when FIFA controls every revenue stream, from broadcast rights and sponsorships to ticket sales, while leaving host cities to foot the bill for “safety, security and protection.” Reports of widespread anger among US cities have surfaced. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill slammed FIFA for refusing to cover transportation costs. NJ Transit then inflamed the situation by announcing $150 round-trip tickets just to shuttle fans from Manhattan to the stadium.
Costs keep climbing, and many cities have responded by scaling back or scrapping official fan festivals. Only Philadelphia and Houston are sticking with FIFA’s vision of a 39-day party. The rest have either pared down their plans or pulled out entirely.
For the FA and US Soccer, these failures are proof that FIFA doesn’t understand local markets. UEFA’s approach to the European Championship, which uses a local organising committee model, stands in stark contrast. There, local expertise is woven into the fabric of the tournament, not brushed aside by Zurich-based bureaucrats.
Bidding Wars and Broken Models
FIFA now finds itself in a bind. The FA and US Soccer are the only bidders for the next two Women’s World Cups. US Soccer is bidding for 2031, with matches also planned for Mexico. Costa Rica, and Jamaica. The FA leads a joint UK bid for 2035, alongside Scotland. Wales, and Northern Ireland. These federations hold all the leverage, yet they’re still forced to negotiate with an organization unwilling to adapt its new model.
US Soccer insiders describe initial talks with FIFA as “encouraging.” That word rings hollow for local governments expected to bankroll fan festivals and public transit, while all revenues flow straight into FIFA’s coffers. The core complaint is clear: without genuine local control over operations, ticketing, marketing, and fan experiences, the tournaments risk repeating this year’s fiascos on an even grander scale.
Money isn’t the only issue. When only two American cities can afford to host proper fan festivals under FIFA’s terms, the credibility of world football governance is on the line.
For a deeper look at how infrastructure headaches could impact future tournaments, or to see how operations might shape the 2026 men’s edition, the warning signs are everywhere.
Escalating Tensions Beyond Logistics
Controversy extends far beyond ticket prices and fan festival budgets. This World Cup cycle is already tangled in geopolitics. Iranian Football Association president Mehdi Taj has demanded that FIFA guarantee no “insults” toward Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during their team’s trip to the United States. He cites disrespectful treatment at Canada’s border and ongoing US visa crackdowns tied to IRGC links.
Washington has made its position clear: players are welcome, but anyone tied to the IRGC will be denied entry. Taj wants assurances that diplomatic landmines won’t detonate again. These tensions add another layer of complexity and risk to hosting duties already stretched thin by financial battles between FIFA and host cities.
These aren’t isolated incidents. Even live results from group stages could be overshadowed by off-field drama. Businesses are already preparing for the fallout, both sporting and political. Just watch how businesses are preparing in real time.
A November extraordinary general meeting will decide who gets 2031 and 2035. Unless FIFA loosens its grip, it may secure the next hosts but lose control over football’s future.
