FIFA and FBI Unite to Safeguard Integrity of the 2026 World Cup After Bribery Scandal.

 
...

A decade after the 2015 raids exposed $150 million in bribes, the FBI and FIFA are teaming up to protect the 2026 USA, Canada, and Mexico World Cup.

In 2015, the global soccer community was rocked when the FBI and Swiss authorities conducted high-profile raids on FIFA officials, uncovering a massive bribery scandal that had spanned nearly a quarter of a century. 

The investigation revealed a staggering $150 million in bribes tied to World Cup bidding processes, most notably for the 2010, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.

...
The revelations were damning: top FIFA officials faced charges ranging from racketeering to money laundering, shaking the very foundation of global soccer governance. 

Chuck Blazer, a whistleblower and former FIFA executive, detailed illicit payments, including how South Africa won the 2010 World Cup bid through underhanded financial deals, and how questionable votes were cast for Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022).

...
  The scandal forced FIFA into sweeping reforms. One major outcome was the restructuring of the bidding process for future tournaments, leading to a cleaner selection for the 2026 World Cup, awarded to the joint bid of the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Now, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, FIFA and the FBI have formed a new partnership to ensure that the tournament remains free from corruption.

 On April 9, 2025, FBI Director Christopher Wray shared his excitement about joining forces with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to provide security for the event, which will be held across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

...
The shared mission is clear: prevent fraud, secure the event, and rebuild trust in the game. FIFA has introduced stricter oversight measures, while the FBI offers its investigative expertise to ensure no corrupt practices are allowed to take root ahead of the 2026 tournament.

This alliance represents a new era for global soccer, one focused on accountability, transparency, and protecting the game’s integrity. With the painful lessons of 2015 still fresh, the two organizations are committed to blocking any attempt to manipulate the process, whether through bribery or fraud.

The 2015 FIFA scandal remains a turning point in the sport’s history. The aftermath prompted significant changes in how FIFA conducts business, ensuring that the bidding process for future tournaments is fairer and more transparent. 

The partnership with the FBI is a direct result of these changes, ensuring that the next World Cup will not only feature the world’s top teams but will also be a celebration of clean competition From rooting out past corruption to ensuring the security of stadiums and events, FIFA and the FBI are fully invested in making the 2026 World Cup a shining example of integrity in sport.

...
As soccer fans eagerly await the tournament, one thing is clear: the only drama expected in 2026 will be the action on the pitch.

See also:Arteta Keeps Options Open for UCL Semi-Final Amid Injury Doubts