Tri-National Alliance Established to Ensure Economic Fairness During 2026 FIFA World Cup
In an effort to maintain economic fairness during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Justice Department, Mexico's Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE), and Canada's Competition Bureau have joined forces to launch a joint initiative. The primary objective of this alliance is to deter, detect, and prosecute collusive schemes related to the provision of goods and services in connection with the highly anticipated sporting event.
Set to be the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations, the 2026 tournament will take place in 11 cities across the United States, three cities in Mexico, and two cities in Canada. Some of the prominent U.S. cities involved include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York/New Jersey. Mexico will host matches in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, while Canada's contributions will be showcased in Toronto and Vancouver.
Given the vast scale and logistical complexity of the tournament, the United States, Mexico, and Canada are committed to an unprecedented level of cooperation. Their shared goal is to promote economic fairness by discouraging, identifying, and prosecuting anti-competitive practices in the provision of goods and services.
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division emphasized the significant economic potential of the World Cup. He stated, "The World Cup is poised to inject billions of dollars into the economies of host cities. Ensuring that this economic potential is not exploited through illicit means is of paramount importance."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to impact various sectors, including construction, entertainment, and tourism. Host cities such as Atlanta, Boston, and New York/New Jersey are expected to experience substantial economic benefits from the tournament.
Andrea Marván, Chairwoman of Mexico's COFECE, highlighted the need for a level competitive playing field. She stated, "Just as in the World Cup itself, a level playing field is essential for anyone looking to offer goods or services."
Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Canada's Competition Bureau, echoed the importance of international cooperation in addressing anti-competitive conduct. He noted, "Effective investigation and action against illegal practices require robust international cooperation."
All participating agencies have expressed unwavering dedication to combat anti-competitive activities decisively. This joint initiative represents a landmark in international cooperation and aims to ensure that the economic benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are distributed fairly and broadly.
