Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani Marks Historic Moment at 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver
The Congress comes at a pivotal moment, just weeks before the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Vancouver, Canada — The global football community gathered on April 30 for the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, a landmark moment for the sport and for the Concacaf region ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Hosted in his hometown, Victor Montagliani delivered remarks that reflected both a deeply personal journey and a decade of leadership that has helped transform Concacaf and elevate football across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Welcoming delegates from across the global game, Montagliani highlighted the significance of the moment as a milestone for the sport, and as a reflection of football’s power to unite cultures and communities.
“Just a few miles from here… as a five-year-old boy, I first kicked a football,” Montagliani shared. “I grew up surrounded by the game… where football meant identity, belonging, and pride.”
A Leader Shaped by the Game
Montagliani’s story mirrors that of many across the Concacaf region. It is rooted in diversity, community, and a shared love for football. Growing up in Vancouver among players from across the world, he described how those early experiences shaped his belief in football as a unifying force.
That perspective has defined his leadership over the past decade, during which Concacaf has undergone a profound transformation of strengthening governance, rebuilding trust, and investing in the long-term development of the game.
“When leadership serves the sport, not itself, the impossible becomes possible,” he said.
Montagliani spoke directly to the weight of the moment, acknowledging the instability shaping the world beyond the Congress floor.
"We are at our strongest when we remember what binds us. Right now, outside these walls, the world feels less stable… the rules that tie us together are being tested, if not ignored. Which is exactly why what we do here — as members of FIFA — matters so much."
He then turned to address the membership directly.
"FIFA is you. The 211 member associations. The people who work every day to bring the game to every corner of the world. Your coaches. Your referees. Your administrators. Your players. And the countless volunteers who serve and make this game great every single day."
Bringing the World Cup to Canada
The Congress comes at a pivotal moment, just weeks before the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For Canada, the tournament represents a historic first. For Montagliani, it is also the culmination of years of work helping bring the world’s biggest sporting event back to the region and, for the first time, to Canadian soil.
From his leadership roles within both Concacaf and FIFA, Montagliani has played a key part in shaping a vision of a more inclusive and globally connected game; one that expands opportunities and strengthens football ecosystems across all the Confederation’s 41 Member Associations.
“We stand at a moment that comes but once in a generation,” he said. “This summer, we will welcome the world… A proud moment for Concacaf.”
Throughout his remarks, Montagliani emphasized that the significance of the World Cup extends far beyond the tournament itself. He called on football leaders to view the moment as a responsibility to invest in the future of the game and create lasting impact.
“Football is about more than the spectacle—it is about impact,” he noted.
From youth development to governance and infrastructure, he reinforced the importance of building strong foundations that will benefit generations to come across all 41 Concacaf Member Associations.
A Legacy of Service and Growth
As he approaches ten years as Concacaf President, Montagliani’s remarks emphasized a leadership philosophy centered on service, integrity, and unity.
Under his leadership, Concacaf has strengthened its competitions, expanded its global presence, and positioned the region as a key driver of football’s growth—culminating in a FIFA World Cup that will showcase the diversity, passion, and quality of the game across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
“Leadership is not about power. Leadership is about service,” Montagliani said.
Looking Ahead
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the Congress in Vancouver served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action for the future of global football.
Montagliani closed with a message that reflects both his leadership journey and the collective responsibility of the football community:
“The next chapter of football must be written by all of us… built from the ground up,” he said.
As the world turns its attention to the region this summer, Concacaf stands ready to host the game at its highest level, and to continue building a legacy that extends far beyond the final whistle.
