World football governing body FIFA has announced an expanded anti-doping programme for the 2026 World Cup, with new and renewed partnerships across the tournament’s three host countries.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA said the programme would be one of the most comprehensive anti-doping operations in the history of the competition, covering activities prior to and during the tournament.
FIFA said in a statement on its website Wednesday, May 13, that it would continue working with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and would enter into formal agreements with Sport Integrity Canada and Mexico’s national anti-doping body, MEX-NADO.
The football body said the partnerships were designed to ensure consistent testing standards at all host venues.
FIFA said the national anti-doping organisations would carry out out-of-competition tests under its authority ahead of the competition.
The agencies will also assist FIFA doping control officers on matchdays in all host cities during the tournament.
FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Emilio Silvero, said cooperation between the organisations was needed to protect the integrity of the tournament.
“Strong partnerships are essential for major international events,” Silvero said.
“Working together with USADA, Sport Integrity Canada and Mexico’s National Anti-Doping Committee helps to strengthen our global anti-doping efforts and reinforces FIFA’s commitment to fair and clean competition.”
Sport Integrity Canada Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Luke, also welcomed the partnership, saying it would help maintain public 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 is a team effort and we are proud to do our bit to keep the game clean on the world’s biggest stage in our own backyard.”
MEX-NADO Executive Director Dr. Juan Manuel Herrera Navarro said the organization was proud to support the tournament in Mexico highlighting the need to ensure fairness and integrity on the world stage.
USADA Chief Executive Officer, Travis T. Tygart, said international cooperation was important in ensuring that players competed fairly.
“This kind of international partnership between like-minded organisations is absolutely critical to make sure that clean players have access to a level playing field on a global stage like FIFA World Cup 2026,” Tygart said.
The expanded anti-doping program will be consistent with the World Anti-Doping Code and international testing standards, with sample collection and enforcement coordinated across the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA said.
The organisation added that preparations would continue in advance of the tournament as it works with partners to deliver an integrated testing system designed to safeguard fairness and integrity throughout the competition.
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