FIFA World Cup 2026™ shines spotlight on FIFA Clearing House and training rewards as USD 1 billion milestone approaches

Since getting up and running in November 2022, the FIFA Clearing House has transformed the calculation and distribution of training rewards across world football, with almost USD 1 billion in training rewards generated in that period

FIFA emblem on the pitch

 “Refereeing is all about teamwork. So, without them, without Tomaž and Andraž, this is not possible,” Slavko Vinčić  said.

Slovenian Slavko Vinčić named FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final referee

Slovenian Slavko Vinčić to take charge of FIFA World Cup 2026™ final

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July, describing the opportunity as an “incredible honour”. 

Slavko Vincic and Jesus Valenzuela 

Bellingham praise for Boston’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Unsung Hero

Named Unsung Hero of Boston, Gary Newell was rewarded for his commitment during this edition of the FIFA World Cup™ and beyond

France v Morocco: Quarter Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Fan's dementia awareness efforts lead him pitchside for FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final 

Jordan Adams, a dementia awareness advocate from Redditch, England, attended the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia as a guest of FIFA.

Jordan Adams attending the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between England and Argentina 

Boston's Unsung Hero

FIFA welcomes Court of Justice of the European Union decision on FIFA Football Agent Regulations

FIFA welcomes today’s judgment handed down by the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR).

FIFA pen

For Sunday's final, German official Bastian Dankert takes on the VAR role, assisted by Colombian Nicolás Gallo, with Qatari official Khamis Al Marri providing support.

Jesús Valenzuela will be assisted by compatriots Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno. Morocco’s Jalal Jayed has been named the fourth official and fellow Moroccan Zakaria Brinsi the reserve assistant referee.

Mr Collina said the major factor behind the appointment to the final was performance throughout the tournament.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić and Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela pose for a photo.

Slavko Vinčić will become the first Slovenian to referee a FIFA World Cup™ final 

For the third-place playoff between France and England at Miami Stadium, Venezuela's Jesús Valenzuela has been appointed as referee

Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the fourth official for the final, with his compatriot Mohammad Al-Kalaf as reserve assistant referee.

"Of course it’s emotional for the referees, but it is very emotional also for me,” Mr Collina said.

“So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the (FIFA) World Cup final,” Slavko Vinčić said. 

Mr Collina said it was always a special feeling to announce the appointment. 

Vinčić was quick to share the credit for his achievement with the officiating team around him, in particular his assistant referees Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič.

The 46-year-old from Maribor, Slovenia, was informed of his appointment by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee,.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July

Referee Announcement for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final and the Bronze Final

Messi inspires Argentina to FIFA World Cup 2026™ final to round off Atlanta hosting duties

Lionel Messi and Argentina were the stars of Atlanta Stadium’s swansong as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ venue with the defending champions beating England to set up a meeting with Spain in Sunday’s final. 

Players and match officials line up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina

Spain beat France in semi-final thriller to conclude Dallas’ FIFA World Cup 2026

A high-stakes semi-final encounter between France and Spain was a fitting finale to Dallas Stadium’s stellar contribution to the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Players and match officials line up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. 

Post Malone to headline FIFA World Cup 2026™ closing ceremony

As the world prepares for football’s most anticipated match, an international music icon will take centre stage. Global superstar Post Malone will headline the FIFA World Cup 2026™ closing ceremony, delivering a landmark performance in the final

FIFA World Cup 2026™ closing ceremony

African MA presidents hail Atlanta stadium and 'best in history' FIFA World Cup

Presidents of several African FIFA Member Associations (MAs) visited Atlanta Stadium, touring the venue and meeting Mayor Andre Dickens, ahead of Wednesday's FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between England and Argentina.

Joe and Kiki: the Dallas duo’s extraordinary bond at FIFA World Cup 2026™

Man's best friend is usually found by the fireside, not on FIFA World Cup 2026™ duty. But Kiki, the service dog of Dallas, Texas volunteer Joe Flores, has spent the past weeks at the heart of the greatest show on Earth.

Joe and Kiki: the Dallas duo’s extraordinary bond at FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026™ closing ceremony to celebrate historic tournament ahead of the final

New York New Jersey Stadium will bring the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup™ to a close with spectacular ceremony on Sunday, 19 July, starting at 13:30 local time

FWC26 Closing ceremony 

Louis Vuitton to present bespoke trophy trunk at FIFA World Cup 2026™ final following Official Supplier and Branded Licensee appointment

Louis Vuitton has been named Official Supplier and Branded Licensee of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, presenting the official bespoke trophy trunk designed to transport and showcase the most iconic trophy in sports.

Louis Vuitton to present bespoke trophy trunk at FIFA World Cup 2026™ final 

"I love soccer, I love volunteering and I just wanted to be part of something bigger than myself", he said.

In Boston, Massachusetts, Gary Newel was part of the anti-doping team for three weeks, or seven matches – bringing the same spirit of service that has always guided him. 

In recognition of his dedication to others during not only the competition but throughout his life, Newel was named Boston’s Unsung Hero.

"To receive a ‘thank you’ means a lot to me, and I will definitely use it as fuel, moving forward to help as many people as I can,” declared Newel

Messages from fellow volunteers and players he had coached were shown on the giant screen before Kevin Clark, one of Gary’s former players and now Director of Venue Operations in Boston, presented him with a replica FIFA World Cup™ Trophy

Boston’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ boom leaves city’s economic future bright

The spectacular economic impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on Boston, Massachusetts will be felt years after the tournament comes to an end, leading figures in the American city have said.

 A general view as the sun sets at the FIFA Fan Festival in Boston

A general view of the Boston skyline

FWC26 - Unsung Heroes - Dallas

Lionel Messi magic and record crowds crown Kansas City's FIFA World Cup story

From the opening whistle of the group stage to the celebrations of defending champions Argentina after the quarter-final, Kansas City Stadium, one of the great sports venues in the United States, has given the FIFA World Cup 2026™ six matches to remember.

Players and match officials line up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium

Unsung Hero Vera lauded by Captain America for her selfless contribution

Vera Gonzalez-Howard dissolved into tears saying “I don’t deserve this”, as USA captain Tim Ream offered praise and thanks for her contribution during the FIFA World Cup 26™ while gifting the Mexican-born US Citizen a Fourth of July decorated cake. 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Mascots promote sustainability

The Planet is Our Field 

One of the most popular aspects of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been the mascots, with Maple™ the Moose, Zayu™ the Jaguar and Clutch™ the Bald Eagle proving popular with fans at stadiums and FIFA Fan Festivals across all 16 Host Cities.

The Planet is Our Field is a FIFA World Cup 2026 sustainability awareness activation 

Spain gives Los Angeles Stadium’s FIFA World Cup run a fitting Hollywood farewell

Over four unforgettable weeks, Los Angeles Stadium has provided the stage for some of the most memorable moments of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, played out in front of packed crowds at the breathtaking, state-of-the art venue.

A view during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10, 2026 in Inglewood, United States.

'Once a volunteer, always a volunteer': the FIFA World Cup 2026 story of Paula Pontes

For many of its 50,000 volunteers, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been their first taste of the unique experience of being at the heart of a big, global football tournament, but there are a small group who have become veterans of the volunteer team.

'Once a volunteer, always a volunteer': the FIFA World Cup 2026 story of Paula Pontes 

From the FIFA World Cup to the dinner tables of Kansas City’s families in need

FIFA is supporting the recovery and donation of surplus food from tournament venues in Kansas City. Pete’s Garden is the organisation responsible for repackaging the food and coordinating its distribution

Pete’s Garde, the organization that is channeling surplus food from FIFA World Cup-related venues in Kansas City

FIFA Foundation pledges USD 1 million to support communities affected by Venezuela earthquake

The FIFA Foundation has announced a commitment of USD 1 million from its Humanitarian Fund to support relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that has affected communities across Venezuela.

Panama and England players hold a minute of silence for the victims of the earthquake in Venezuela

Boston makes FIFA World Cup memories with Tartan Army takeover and Dembélé hat-trick 

Boston’s electric seven-match run as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City featured everything about the planet’s most popular sporting event that captures humanity’s collective imagination. 

 Thank You Boston message on the giant screen

"We are not influenced by anyone," says FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina

"Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport." 

Argentina v Algeria: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

Eduardo Granados: the FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer connecting Mexico 1986 with today

Eduardo Granados has been recognised as Guadalajara’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Unsung Hero, linking his current role to the historic 1986 tournament.

From packed stadiums to record digital reach: FIFA World Cup 2026™ numbers tell story of unprecedented scale as last eight confirmed

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has moved into the quarter-finals, with football’s greatest stage continuing to set new benchmarks not only on the pitch, but across every dimension of the tournament experience.

A total of 6,259,584 people attended matches after the conclusion of the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Justin Bieber to co-headline FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show with Madonna, Shakira and BTS

FIFA and Global Citizen are pleased to announce that global superstar Justin Bieber has joined as co-headliner of the historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show, taking place on Sunday, 19 July 2026, at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Vancouver bids farewell to FIFA World Cup as Switzerland make history

Canada’s duties as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host Country came to an end following the final match in Vancouver, British Colombia between Switzerland and Colombia, which saw the Swiss reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.

General View during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia at BC Place Vancouver 

Food donated from FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches delivers boost to Philadelphia community

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ at Philadelphia Stadium has a left a tangible mark on the local community, with unused fresh food from the venue being distributed to the local community – both eliminating waste and delivering a boost to families in the area.

Surplus food from six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matchdays at Philadelphia Stadium was redirected to local families

Aptly named Atlas Barber Shop welcomes the world at FIFA World Cup 2026 

Atlas Barber Shop has become a gathering point for football fans in Boston, Massachusetts during the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Growing the women’s game (June 2026)

June 2026 saw women's football development activity across various FIFA’s programmes with updates from five continents, a major new FIFA women’s football project launched, significant on- and off-field news for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™. 

FIFA Women’s Football Campaign for the Mashonaland Central Girls Football Festival, Zimbabwe

French pair prove volunteering unites the world at FIFA World Cup 2026

French friends Elsa Pelicant and Anais Stephany are among many international volunteers at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the duo describe their incredible on-pitch experiences and the joy of meeting new people. 

Seattle-based FIFA World Cup volunteers Elsa Pelicant and Anais Stephany 

FIFA Be Active campaign turbocharges community celebrations at FIFA Arena in New York City 

Young participants of Street Soccer USA’s Summer Camp from throughout New York celebrated wrapping up their week-long programme with a special Be Active-themed training session. 

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