FIFA plans to “keep open the Miami office that it has used as an American political headquarters as it looks to expand its presence in the western hemisphere,” according to Sophia Cai of POLITICO. The strategy marks a “significant shift in how FIFA has approached major tournaments.” Rather than relying on a local organizing structure that dissolves after the final whistle of the World Cup next week, officials said that the organization “intends to retain the institutional knowledge assembled in South Florida and deploy it for the next wave of competitions.” FIFA first opened its Miami office in 2023, and it has since “ballooned into 700-plus full-time staff.” During the tournament, it has “functioned as the organization’s nerve center and base for senior officials.” With the World Cup drawing to a close, the Miami team “will soon pivot toward FIFA’s next slate of marquee events.” Brazil will host the Women’s World Cup next year, and FIFA “will help to manage the soccer portion” of the 2028 L.A. Games, which will include qualifying matches across the U.S. The organization hopes that the staff, relationships and expertise developed during this year’s World Cup “can become a lasting asset as North America increasingly becomes one of the sport’s most important markets” (POLITICO, 7/11).
FIFA to maintain Miami hub after World Cup
