Gianni Infantino proposed 211-nation Under-15 World Cup featuring Disneyland ceremonies and Israel-Palestine opener

Ambitious youth tournament planned

Infantino reportedly held talks with private investors over the past year to commercialise a 211-nation Under-15 World Cup. The concept was designed to mirror baseball's Little League, complete with opening or closing ceremonies staged at a Disney theme park. Despite extensive planning, the project was ultimately shelved just before the 2026 World Cup, according to The Athletic.

Private investors back blueprint

A comprehensive proposal for the youth tournament was drawn up by former Mexican Football Federation commissioner Juan Carlos Rodriguez, backed by private US capital. The venture received support from Eldridge Industries, chaired by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly. The organisers even held discussions with ESPN regarding potential venues, exploring the use of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, which sits within the Walt Disney World resort.

Geopolitical match idea scrapped

Behind the commercial push, Infantino originally wanted an opening fixture between Israel and Palestine as a sporting gesture of unity. However, the idea was omitted from the final draft following fraught relations at a FIFA Congress in Vancouver, where delegates from both federations refused to shake hands, ending hopes of staging the match.

Global calendar faces scrutiny

Shelving the Under-15 blueprint spares FIFA further criticism over international fixture congestion and the increasing commercialisation of youth football. While the Disney-backed project has been abandoned, Infantino's broader focus remains fixed on expanding global competitions and securing lucrative broadcast rights across North America. World football's governing body must continue to balance revenue growth against player welfare and the demands placed on emerging talent.