Miami, June 15 (QNA) - The US city of Miami hosted the 2026 edition of the FIFA Executive Football Summit, bringing together representatives of FIFA's member associations to exchange ideas, strengthen cooperation, and help shape the future of the game ahead of the expanded global investment cycle.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, participants discussed ways to enhance FIFA's development programs and support national associations in advancing football through best practices in key development areas.

FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom opened the session, highlighting the summit's dual role as both a strategic platform for youth development and a forum for informal exchange of ideas.

A key focus of the summit was the FIFA Forward program, FIFA's main development initiative, which has seen significant expansion over the past decade.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted that funding for member associations has increased dramatically, rising from USD 1 million over four years a decade ago to about USD 8 million under FIFA Forward 3.0, with further increases of around 20 percent approved to support investment in competitions, infrastructure, and football projects.

He also highlighted that the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, saying the expanded format helps drive greater investment and global development of the sport. (QNA)