FIFA's July 2026 proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprises and sell a 21% minority stake for roughly $4.2 billion triggered immediate, unified opposition from UEFA's 55 members, other confederations, and key stakeholders over governance risks and external investor involvement. The plan was formally scrapped by late July after widespread condemnation and boycott threats, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino citing the organization's core mission. This rapid reversal underpins the near-certain trader consensus against any equity sale tied to the 2026 World Cup. Realistic shifts remain possible if new commercial pressures emerge before the tournament or if leadership changes revive similar structures, though no active proposals exist.