Gijs de Jong looks back on the 2026 FIFA Congress

Foto: KNVB Media

The 76th FIFA Congress took place in Vancouver last week. Representatives from the 211 member associations gathered there to discuss the future of international soccer, preparations for the 2026 World Cup, and the budgets for the coming years. Representing the Royal Netherlands Football Association were Secretary General Gijs de Jong, Director of Professional Soccer Marianne van Leeuwen, and President Frank Paauw.

What was your experience of the 76th FIFA Congress?

“This year’s FIFA Congress focused primarily on collaboration, innovation, and the further development of international soccer. Of course, there are the formal agenda items, such as approving the budgets for next year and the new 2027–2030 cycle, but the discussions surrounding them are just as important.

It is precisely at these moments that you speak with other associations, FIFA executives, and organizers about the future of soccer. For us at the KNVB, it is important to be actively present, share knowledge, and further build relationships.”

Which moments surrounding the Congress stood out for you?

“The Congress isn’t just about what happens in the conference hall. That’s precisely why the meetings on the sidelines were so valuable. For example, the KNVB attended the King’s Day reception at the Dutch Consulate General in Vancouver. That provided a great opportunity to speak with Dutch diplomatic representatives, international soccer partners, and local contacts about the run-up to the World Cup.

The further strengthening of our ties with the Ukrainian Football Federation was also special. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding, we are confirming our collaboration on topics such as football development, knowledge sharing, and social impact. Especially in these times, this demonstrates how important international solidarity and connection are within football.

In addition, the meeting with Khalida Popal was a special moment. Khalida is a former Afghan international who has been advocating for human rights, women’s soccer, and the Afghan women’s national team in exile for years, and she is a close associate of the KNVB. During the congress, that team received important news: FIFA has cleared the way for Afghan female soccer players in exile to compete internationally again. It was impressive to see what Khalida and the players have achieved after years of dedication. We wish her and the team every success and strength for the next step.”

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest World Cup ever. Are you already noticing that in the preparations?

“Absolutely. With 48 countries, 104 matches, and three host nations, this will be a tournament of unprecedented scale. That brings new challenges, both in terms of sports and organization. Think of travel distances, logistics, fan flows, and the operational preparations surrounding the teams.

Within the KNVB, we’ve been working intensively on this for months. Together with FIFA, the host countries, and other stakeholders, we’re constantly assessing what’s needed to provide the best possible support for players, staff, and fans.”

What role do the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, and local partners play in the World Cup preparations?

“We are working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch embassies and consulates in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For a tournament spanning three countries and multiple time zones, effective coordination is essential. This includes travel arrangements, providing information to fans, local conditions, security, and consular support when needed.

That collaboration goes beyond mere practical preparation. A great example of this is our partnership with local communities in Canada. Through our WorldCoaches program, coaches from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Squamish Nation in British Columbia participated in a KNVB coaching program.

This program focuses not only on technical soccer development but also on the social power of sports: collaboration, managing emotions, leadership, and strengthening communities. Especially in the run-up to a World Cup, we believe it is important not only to share our expertise but also to listen, learn, and build lasting relationships.”

What topics were central to the KNVB during the conference?

“Topics such as the fan experience, safety, innovation, and sustainability came up frequently. Ultimately, you want a World Cup to not only be a sporting success, but also to feel well-organized and accessible to fans.

A World Cup is an experience you share together. That’s why we believe it’s important for fans to feel welcome and well-informed. At the same time, we’re also looking at how we, as an association, can contribute internationally to developments within soccer.”

How does the KNVB deal with countries that have different approaches to social issues?

“Our primary responsibility is to Dutch soccer: players, staff, fans, clubs, and our social values. But we also operate within FIFA, which comprises 211 member associations that all view these kinds of issues differently.

That means that while you can sometimes make a public statement, you often achieve more through diplomacy, coalitions, and direct dialogue.”

During the congress, representatives from the Palestinian and Israeli football associations also spoke. How did the KNVB perceive that?

“Those were poignant moments. During the congress, it became clear once again just how significant the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is, even within the international football community. Emotions ran high, and that deeply moved many of those present in the room.

For us, the priority is to reflect on all the innocent victims and the immense suffering caused by this conflict. At the same time, we realize that soccer cannot resolve conflicts of this kind. What soccer can do, however, is provide a space for encounter, dialogue, and mutual understanding, no matter how difficult that may sometimes be.

The KNVB continues to advocate for respect, humanity, and connection within FIFA and UEFA. It is precisely at times when divisions are deep that it is important not to let go of the conversation.”

Do you always participate in every World Cup or European Championship, regardless of where it’s held?

“We always follow the guidelines issued by the Dutch government, FIFA, and UEFA. If they indicate that travel to or play in a certain region is not permitted, then we won’t go.

Within those parameters, we stay true to what matters most to us: soccer, dialogue, and connection. We’re aware of social developments, but we also believe in the unifying power of sports.”

The conference also addressed the issue of Iran and its participation in the World Cup in the United States. What does that say about the context in which this World Cup is being organized?

“It shows that this World Cup is not isolated from the world around us. A World Cup brings countries, fans, and cultures together, but at the same time takes place in an international context marked by political and social tensions. FIFA President Infantino had a clear message: Iran is participating and will play in the U.S.

Soccer should bring people together wherever possible. That requires thorough preparation, clear agreements, and constant communication with FIFA, other federations, the State Department, and our diplomatic missions.”

What assurances does the KNVB want regarding the safety of Dutch fans?

“We want every Dutch fan to feel welcome and safe, regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or political beliefs. At this time, we have no reason to doubt that. At the same time, we are, of course, closely monitoring the news and all developments regarding the situation in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The organization of the World Cup is the responsibility of FIFA, in collaboration with the host countries and local authorities. We remain in constant communication with FIFA, other associations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch embassies and consulates, and relevant agencies, so that we can identify any concerns or issues in a timely manner. Safety doesn’t begin during a tournament, but rather during the preparation phase.”

Ticket prices, hotels, and travel seem to be getting significantly more expensive. Is the KNVB concerned about this?

“That’s an important point. A World Cup must remain a tournament for fans. At the same time, we at the KNVB have no direct influence over ticket prices or local costs, as these are set by FIFA and local parties.

What we do do is take fans’ concerns seriously and, together with other European associations, bring them to FIFA’s attention. Anyone following the process can see that steps have been taken in this regard, such as introducing additional ticket price categories.

At the same time, we realize that a tournament of this magnitude, even for associations, involves high costs for organization, travel, and accommodation. That is why we are also investing in a broad and accessible Oranje experience—in the Netherlands, on-site, and online—so that as many people as possible can feel connected to Oranje.”

FIFA has increased the prize money for participating countries. Is that necessary?

“It’s positive that FIFA has increased the appearance fees for national associations, so that some of the costs can be covered. At the same time, this World Cup also entails exceptionally high expenses.

This is due to the scale of the tournament, its longer duration, the travel distances, and the cost of living in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Inflation, accommodation costs, and the dollar exchange rate also play a role.”

Gianni Infantino plans to run for re-election as FIFA president. What is the KNVB’s view on this?

“This means that the campaign for the FIFA presidency is slowly getting underway. It’s always an interesting time in the world of international soccer, as associations discuss the direction of FIFA and the future of the sport.

We are, of course, following these developments with interest. When the time comes for the KNVB to make a decision, we will carefully consider the matter.”

What is the KNVB’s main focus leading up to the World Cup?

“From a sporting perspective, you naturally want to perform at your best. The World Cup is the biggest stage in international soccer, and you really want to be in the running for the title.

At the same time, we want the Oranje spirit—online and offline, in the Netherlands and far beyond—to come alive. And ideally, we want it to swell into an unstoppable wave of Oranje fever. Connecting the Netherlands and the world through our soccer. Especially now. Be bold. Be Oranje.”