The football governing body, FIFA, has unveiled an expanded anti-doping framework for the FIFA World Cup 2026, following strengthened and new partnerships with anti-doping organisations across the tournament’s three host countries.
The 2026 tournament, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to operate one of the most extensive drug-testing systems ever implemented for a World Cup.
In a statement published on Wednesday via its official website, FIFA confirmed the continuation of its partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, alongside fresh agreements with Sport Integrity Canada and Mexico’s national anti-doping body, MEX-NADO.
According to FIFA, the collaborations build on earlier joint efforts during the FIFA Club World Cup and are designed to ensure uniform testing standards across all venues before and throughout the tournament.
Under the arrangement, the national anti-doping bodies will carry out out-of-competition testing under FIFA’s supervision in the lead-up to the competition. During the World Cup itself, they will also assist FIFA doping control officers in conducting matchday tests across all host cities.
FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Emilio Silvero, emphasised that cooperation between organisations remains central to safeguarding the sport’s credibility.
“Major international events require strong partnerships,” Silvero said. “By working with USADA, Sport Integrity Canada, and Mexico’s National Anti-Doping Committee, we’re strengthening our global anti-doping efforts and reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to fair and clean competition.”
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Commenting on the partnership, Sport Integrity Canada Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Luke described the initiative as essential for maintaining confidence in sport.
“We are excited to partner with FIFA and to support Canadian anti-doping controls at the FIFA World Cup,” Luke said.
“Protecting the integrity of sport requires a coordinated effort, and we’re proud to do our part to keep the game clean on the world’s biggest stage in our own home.”
MEX-NADO Executive Director Dr. Juan Manuel Herrera Navarro also expressed pride in supporting the tournament in Mexico, highlighting the importance of fairness at the global level.
USADA Chief Executive Officer Travis T. Tygart stressed that international collaboration is key to ensuring fair competition for all athletes.
“This kind of international partnership between like-minded organisations is absolutely critical to ensuring that clean players have access to a level playing field on a global stage like the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Tygart said.
FIFA further noted that the enhanced programme will operate in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and global testing standards, ensuring coordinated sample collection and enforcement across all three host nations.
Preparations for implementation are ongoing as FIFA works with its partners to establish a unified system aimed at maintaining fairness and integrity throughout the tournament.