In a major recognition for Malaysian sports administration on the global stage, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) honorary president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin has been appointed as a head of delegation and the official representative for FIFA President Gianni Infantino at key venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Hamidin, who also serves as an elected FIFA Council member, revealed that Infantino personally assigned him the crucial responsibility of overseeing and ensuring the seamless operational running of tournament matches in two prominent California host cities: Los Angeles and San Francisco.

A Massive Operational Role

The 2026 edition marks the largest World Cup tournament in football history, expanding to a historic 48-team format spread across 16 vastly separated host locations spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Because of the immense geographical distances between the 16 venues, FIFA has strategically designated top Council members to lead regional operations and manage specific clusters.

“This edition involves 16 venues across long distances, and that is why I have been appointed head of delegation and FIFA President’s representative for Los Angeles and San Francisco,” Hamidin stated.

His extensive monitoring duties began immediately with the opening group stage fixtures and will see him dynamically managing both California locations.

“My role includes monitoring matches at both venues from the group stage. After that, I will be based in Los Angeles up to the quarter-finals and remain involved through to the semi-finals and final,” he added. “My role is to ensure all matches at the assigned venues run smoothly without any disruptions.”

The Grandest Stage in Football History

Hamidin departed Malaysia last Tuesday to arrive in time for the official opening festivities of the tournament.

The month-long showpiece officially kicked off at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in an electrifying opening Group A clash.

With the new expanded format totaling a grueling 104 matches across North America, the logistical demands on FIFA are higher than ever before.

Hamidin’s high-profile appointment to oversee two of the most lucrative and critical stadium hubs in the United States highlights his growing influence within world football’s governing body and places a Malaysian official at the absolute center of sports history.