Back in 1938, the FIFA members were deciding between Germany and Brazil to host the 1942 World Cup. The decision was postponed until 1939…Poland got invaded and woke FIFA cancelled the 1942 World Cup.
It is not logistically possible to hold the event only in Canada and Mexico.
Welcome to Guadalajara, host city for 4 matches of the FIFA WC 2025. Fine tequila, delicious pozole and fresh measles.
Local authorities have mandated the use of face masks from kindergarten to 15 YO to slow down the ongoing measles outbreak. It’s 5+ million people living together in the same valley.
(05.02.2026) The Mexican state of Jalisco on Thursday issued a health alert and mandated the use of face masks in schools as a measles outbreak hit the state capital, a key host city for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The measures come on the heels of an epidemiological alert issued by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) earlier this week over the spread of the preventable disease across the Americas, particularly in Mexico, which leads the region with 1,981 cases confirmed by authorities this year and more than 5,200 suspected cases.
Jalisco is the epicenter of the outbreak, with 1,163 cases confirmed this year and 2,092 suspected cases, according to Mexico’s government.
Are you ready to party? I can’t hear youuuu. Are you ready to partyyyyy? The WC will be an incredible party!
Usual PR stuff from Mr. Infantino.
The surprise is to see him successfully using a rhetorical device: bad things happen everywhere, that’s why states and police exist, they ensure the rule of law and public safety.
This a coping mechanism for people enduring stressful events and normalization of violence at the same time. I have not seen this rhetorical device being used outside conflict zones.
Amazing to see Mr. Infantino succeed at cross-cultural communication using concepts locals will understand while putting a language barrier to other people from other places where this idea could be seen as outrageous. If the guy were not an evil(ish) figure, I’d be clapping.
I seem to remember similar concerns around the South African World Cup and potential for violence. Seems like the local criminals did have some national pride after all, or the cartels did a deal with the government to lay off tourists.
You don’t have to bet with a local company, FIFA takes bets now!
Sorry, please excuse my rude words…this is the correct language: embracing innovation that brings supporters closer to the game.
“FIFA is committed to continually enhancing the fan experience and embracing innovation that brings supporters closer to the game,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “By partnering with FIFA, ADI Predictstreet will be introducing an exciting new way for fans around the world to engage with football, using insight and interaction to deepen their connection with our competitions.”
Some people in the internet has mean comments about ADI Predicstreet:
FIFA’s deal, announced April 2, is with ADI Predictstreet, which says it’s launching on April 9. Its Instagram account has only about 135 followers, and made its first post on March 26, one week before the FIFA announcement. Its X account also launched in March 2026.
The company is owned by the Abu Dhabi royal family—the largest and wealthiest of the UAE’s seven emirates—and is run by an executive who settled insider trading charges with the Indian government last year.
ADI Predictstreet has thus far only been licensed to operate in Gibraltar, a tiny British territory off the coast of Spain that has been called “Blockchain Rock” for its friendly approach to crypto companies.
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Won’t people just use the established Polymarket instead? Doesn’t take much to make this a crowded market.
Fresh from needlessly brown nosing Trump and giving him a gaudy peace prize, now this further cheapening of the FIFA brand. The organisation clearly takes a hardline stance against tobacco and yet gambling is not that much better a vice.
Follow the money FIFA.