FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup will have one of the most robust anti-doping programs in international football, after finalizing agreements with the anti-doping organizations of Mexico, the United States and Canada with the objective of guaranteeing clean and competition.

The governing body of world football detailed that the coordination between the agencies will allow to maintain homogeneous procedures in the take of samples and in the controls of the players, all under the guidelines of the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations and the World Anti-Doping Code.

FIFA confirms anti-doping alliance for the 2026 World Cup

The strategy will involve the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Sport Integrity Canada and the Com ité National Anti-Doping of Mexico (MexNado), organisms that will work together before and during the world fair.

“Major international events require strong collaborations. Our joint work with USADA, Sport Integrity Canada and the National Anti-Doping Committee of Mexico will redouble our efforts fight doping around the world and consolidate FIFA's commitment to fair and competition,” said Emilio García Silvero, director of FIFA's Legal Services and Compliance Division.

The manager highlighted that the main objective will be to reinforce transparency and protect the integrity of the tournament that will be held in Mexican, U.S. and Canadian territory.

Mexico will have a key role in anti-doping controls

Juan Manuel Herrera, representative of the Mexican agency, underlined the relevance of participating in an event of the magnitude of the 2026 World Cup.

“Supporting FIFA's fight against doping in Mexico represents a very special responsibility” to “help safeguard the to clean the competition, so that the integrity of football is on par with the magic of world football” in their country.

For his part, Travis T. Tygart, CEO of USADA, highlighted the importance of international alliances to guarantee equal conditions among all participating footballers.

“These types of international alliances between likeminded organizations are fundamental to guarantee that honored players enjoy equal conditions in a global stage such as the World Cup,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Luke, representative of the Canadian agency, assured that “protecting the integrity of sport requires coordinated work.”

This will be anti-doping controls at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA explained that each National Anti-Doping Organization(ONAD) will carry out out-of-competition controls in the weeks prior to the start of the tournament, under direct supervision of the international body.

During the 2026 World World which will be held from June 11 to July 19 , the anti-doping agencies of the three host countries ones will collaborate with FIFA officials in the checks carried out both outside of competition and on matchdays.

The operatives will be present in all the host stadiums of the World Cup and will seek to reinforce the credibility of the most important international football tournament.