FIFA president Gianni Infantino weighed plans for a 211-strong U-15 World Cup that was eventually scrapped ahead of 2026.
Reports emerged that the World Cup concept, said to be modeled on baseball’s Little League – a private venture where private investors also contributed to the commercial viability of the product – could potentially feature ceremonies opening and closing at Walt Disney World in Florida.
The bid was, in part, developed with the support of former Mexican Football Federation commissioner Juan Carlos Rodriguez, and funded by US private capital and Eldridge Industries, which is led by Todd Boehly, co-owner of Premier League team Chelsea. The bid included potential venues such as the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando as FIFA engaged with media giant ESPN over possible host venues.
According to reports, Infantino wanted to stage an opening game to showcase the potential for a unified sport, featuring Palestine and Israel; however, this plan was scrapped due to the two countries’ football associations’ relations.
The competition idea was shelved in time for the build-up to 2026, saving FIFA potential controversy for over-commercializing youth football and an already overflowing global schedule.
Even with that plan shelved, however, Infantino continues to push for FIFA competitions to become bigger and more financially rewarding in America.
