FIFA is planning to sell minority stakes in the commercial rights to the men's and women's World Cup and the Club World Cup, through a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise. It would be an unprecedented step for the nonprofit body, marking the first time it has opened up its flagship competitions to outside private investment, and comes as FIFA seeks fresh capital despite already generating record revenues from football's global appeal.

FIFA hopes to raise up to $4.2 billion (£3.3 billion) through the scheme, on top of at least $13 billion already generated in the current four-year cycle, with proceeds promised to be shared among its 211 member associations. Joshua Kushner's investment firm Thrive Eternal, alongside adviser J.P. Morgan, has been brought in to help identify investors, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the aim was to ensure "the rest of football grows" alongside its commercial success. UEFA hit back strongly, warning that "the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially," with the plan also facing scrutiny amid rising 2026 World Cup ticket prices and corruption allegations raised by US lawmakers.