US, Canada and Mexico agencies to support expanded testing program for historic tournament
FIFA on Wednesday announced a joint anti-doping initiative with agencies from the United States, Canada and Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.
Expanded testing program planned
The 2026 edition will be the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams instead of 32, making it the largest tournament in World Cup history.
According to FIFA, the expanded competition will require a significantly larger anti-doping and operational framework across 16 host cities.
Under the new initiative:
• U.S. Anti-Doping Agency
• Sport Integrity Canada
• Mexico National Anti-Doping Committee
will assist FIFA with both pre-tournament and in-competition testing.
FIFA outlines anti-doping cooperation
In an official statement, FIFA said the national anti-doping organizations would conduct out-of-competition testing under FIFA’s supervision before the tournament begins.
The governing body added that doping control officers from the three agencies would support FIFA’s own officials during matchdays and testing missions across all host city venues.
Emilio Garcia Silvero said the collaboration would strengthen testing operations and help maintain integrity standards during the tournament.
Program to follow global anti-doping standards
FIFA confirmed that the anti-doping program for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will operate under:
• The World Anti-Doping Code
• FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations
• International anti-doping standards
The governing body emphasized its commitment to ensuring fair competition and maintaining the integrity of football during the expanded global event.