Gianni Infantino Praises World Cup Records

FIFA President Gianni Infantino claims that the 2026 edition of the World Cup has set new records for audience, attendance and number of goals scored, according to aclsports.com. The FIFA official praised both the level of competition and the organization of the tournament held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, stating that the success of this edition has exceeded all expectations. Since optimism is an almost mandatory condition for holding the position of FIFA president, the balance could only be a triumphant one.

• Records on all fronts

Gianni Infantino said that the tournament attracted almost seven million spectators in the stands, while the estimated global audience exceeded six billion viewers. At the same time, over 300 goals were scored in this edition, with an average of almost three goals per match. "This World Cup has not only broken all possible records, it has shattered them," said the FIFA president. Another, less statistical, record is worth mentioning: probably never in the history of the competition has there been so much singing before, during and at half-time. The Americans have shown that if there is not enough spectacle on the pitch, one can be improvised on stage. Infantino stressed that the atmosphere created in the stadiums and in the host cities of the United States, Canada and Mexico demonstrates the ability of football to bring together people from different cultures and countries. "Football at the World Cup is not just a competition. It exists to unite the world and to make, perhaps, the world a little better," said the official. The FIFA president congratulated the new world champion, appreciating that Spain deserved the trophy, but also praised Argentina's performance. "Spain was fantastic. They deserve to win the World Cup. Argentina was great too,” Infantino said. The statement is hard to dispute about Spain. About Argentina, the discussions can go on, they reached the final mainly thanks to the talent of Messi and the inspiration of goalkeeper Martinez, and the last act was one that Argentine fans would probably prefer to forget. The FIFA President also noted the developments of players such as Rodri, named the best footballer of the tournament, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, highlighting, at the same time, the emergence of new talents and the remarkable course of the Cape Verde national team, one of the great revelations of the competition.

• Looking to 2030

Gianni Infantino said FIFA is now turning its attention to the 2030 World Cup, a centenary competition to be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with anniversary matches scheduled in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. At the same time, FIFA will consider possible changes to the format of the competition, including whether to keep the 48-team system or expand it to 64 teams. The rules on hydration breaks will also be assessed, as well as possible changes to the offside rule. If the pace of recent years continues, it is not excluded that future editions will also discuss extending the half-time break for another concert. Football and the entertainment industry have begun to share the same stage, and sometimes it is not clear who is playing the main role. According to the FIFA president, the 2026 edition has once again demonstrated football's ability to transcend the boundaries of sport.

"Nothing can match the power and magic of the World Cup, because the world needs events that unite people and bring them together in joy and happiness," said Gianni Infantino. Beyond the official enthusiasm, one thing is certain: this World Cup will be talked about for a long time. Some will remember the records, others the storms, the musical intermissions and the final with very little football.