Saudi Public Investment Fund Partners with FIFA as World Cup 2026 Supporter

AI Summary

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has partnered with FIFA as an official tournament supporter for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The deal includes support for grassroots football initiatives and builds on PIF's existing partnership with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025.

The Strategic Partnership

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been named an official tournament supporter in North America and Asia for this year's World Cup, as the country deepens its ties with international football ahead of hosting the 2034 tournament.

Details of the Partnership

The 2026 World Cup – the first edition of the global showpiece to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to ‌July 19. The partnership includes support for initiatives worldwide, spanning grassroots programmes, youth and women’s football, education projects, and efforts to enhance infrastructure and technical expertise, PIF and FIFA said.

Financial Implications and Future Plans

No financial details or specific activations were disclosed. The deal builds on PIF’s partnership with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025 and highlights the fund’s deepening commercial ties with global football ahead of ⁠Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup.

The Impact on Football

“PIF continues to ⁠accelerate the growth of football globally by expanding access to the game and creating opportunities that benefit players, fans and the wider football ecosystem,” said Mohamed AlSayyad, head of corporate brand ⁠at PIF, in a statement.

PIF's Sports Investments

PIF, which has spent more than $5bn on LIV Golf since it launched in 2022, ⁠said last month that it would cut funding ⁠at the close of the 2026 season, leaving the breakaway circuit scrambling for new backers.