FIFA World Cup 2026™ line-up complete as Iraq claim final spot

The line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been completed with six teams clinching the remaining places among the 48 that will make the upcoming tournament in North America the most inclusive ever.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ line-up complete 

Canadian Premier League to conduct “daylight offside” trial in cooperation with FIFA

In cooperation with FIFA, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) will test an alternative offside Law at professional level when its 2026 season gets under way on 4 April.

South Africa v Italy: Group G - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ referee training and selection process continues with Rio de Janeiro seminar

As a competitive qualifying campaign starts to heat up across the globe, the selection process and training for the 33rd team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ has already begun. 

FIFA Referee's Seminar - Rio de Janeiro

FIFA Series 2026™ proves Uzbekistan has what it takes to host tournaments 

The FIFA Series 2026™ men’s edition is in full swing, with entertaining matches across nine groups helping prove a roaring success from an organisational point of view. Current tournament an acid test for FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027™.

Uzbekistan v Gabon - FIFA Series 2026

Gianni Infantino launches FIFA Boots for All in Mexico, meets pioneering women footballers

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has visited the FMF newly renovated High Performance Centre (CAR) and taken part in the launch of the FIFA Boots for All programme in the country, which will co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with Canada and the United States

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visiting the Mexican Football Federation’s (FMF) newly renovated High Performance Centre (CAR) 

FIFA President attends re-opening of Mexico City Stadium

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has attended the official reopening of the Mexico City Stadium, as the historic arena, where Pelé and Diego Maradona both enjoyed their finest FIFA World Cup™ moments, prepares to host the tournament for a record third time.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino waves to supporters during a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal

Mendes and the Blue Sharks jump into the deep end

Almost two years ago to the day, Cabo Verde competed in the pilot edition of the FIFA Series™. The event marked the start of the team's run-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. 

Chile v Cape Verde - FIFA Series 2026

‘The world will stand still’ for FIFA World Cup 2026™ says FIFA President

FIFA President Gianni Infantino told the FII PRIORITY investment Summit in Miami that the FIFA World Cup will deliver a huge economic impact and predicted ‘the world will stand still’ for the tournament.

FIFA President at FII Priority 2026

Final FIFA World Cup 2026™ places to be decided in Mexico on 31 March

The final two slots for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be up for grabs in Mexico on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 when DR Congo face Jamaica at Estadio Guadalajara (15:00 local time) and Iraq play Bolivia at Estadio Monterrey (21:00 local time). 

Bolivia v Suriname - FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament

Toronto Stadium completes major upgrades ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

All major upgrades at the expanded Toronto Stadium have been successfully completed with The City of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) delighted to have reached this major milestone in their preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Toronto Stadium | Photo: City of Toronto

Growing the women’s game (March 2026)

Inside FIFA reviews some of the recent development work in diverse regions of the world during March 2026 including activity across much of Africa and elsewhere, the first qualifiers for 2027 and the FIFA Player Impact Programme builds momentum. 

Women’s Football Campaign, Bitola, North Macedonia

Chile participate in FIFA Series 2026™ with long-term goal in mind

Chile face host nation New Zealand and Cabo Verde, both of which are FIFA World Cup-bound, in Auckland. Head coach Nicolás Córdova discusses national team's progress, youth development and importance of international competition .

Cavo Verde Head Coach Pedro Leitão Brito, Chile Head Coach Nicolás Córdova, Finland Head Coach Jacob Friis and New Zealand Head Coach Darren Bazeley

Global sponsorship packages for FIFA World Cup 2026™ sold out

FIFA has confirmed that all global sponsorship packages for this year’s FIFA World Cup™ have now been sold, marking a major milestone for the tournament’s commercial programme. This includes both FIFA Partners and FIFA World Cup 2026™ Sponsors.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström visits Atlanta as momentum builds around U.S. Soccer Federation development

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström visited Atlanta this week, where preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continue to gather pace, alongside significant long-term investments shaping the future of football in the United States.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström visits Atlanta 

Gianni Infantino ‘proud’ as Cotton-4 plus apparel makes FIFA programme debut in Cameroon

Children at FIFA Football for Schools launch in Yaoundé, Cameroon, are first to wear apparel produced in West African Cotton-4 plus countries

WTO/ F4S Event in Cameroon

Daring, Delighting, Delivering: Uzbekistan living its football dream

Football in Uzbekistan is breaking through, driven by increasing interest, targeted investment and historic success. The Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) is by no means entering uncharted territory by hosting major FIFA tournaments. 

Uzbekistan team lines up prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier

North Macedonia dreaming of debut on biggest stage

North Macedonia stand on the brink of writing a new chapter by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Football has burgeoned in the Balkan country in recent years, thanks in no small part to FIFA’s support, particularly through the FIFA Forward Programme

Italy v North Macedonia: Knockout Round Play-Offs - 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Ethics Committee opens formal proceedings against Congolese Football Association officials in relation to alleged financial misconduct

The investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has opened formal proceedings against three senior officials of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) in connection with alleged financial misconduct involving FIFA funds.

FIFA emblem at the Home of FIFA

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Last-Minute Sales Phase to start on Wednesday, 1 April 

Following on from the Random Selection Draw period, additional tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will go on sale to the general public from 11:00 ET/17:00 CET on Wednesday, 1 April.

Last-Minute ticket sales

Kyrgyz Republic football takes another step forward with FIFA Talent Academy milestone event

Football in the Kyrgyz Republic has made significant progress in the last three years since the country joined the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS). 

FIFA Talent Development Scheme - Kyrgyz Republic

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley speaks in the mixed zone after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw 

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley hugs Myer Bevan during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley looks on during the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley at the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley during the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley during the FIFA Series 2024

New Zealand’s Darren Bazeley set to achieve unique FIFA World Cup first

When Darren Bazeley travelled to New Zealand to continue his professional journey, little did he know he was taking his first steps in breaking a never-before-seen FIFA record.

New Zealand v United States: Men's Football - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 1

Darren Bazeley set to achieve unique FIFA World Cup first

Coaches and local children enjoy the training session at the FIFA Football for schools launch

The launch of the FIFA Football for schools event in Cameroon

Coaches at the FIFA Football for schools event in Cameroon

A group photo of the FIFA Football for schools event in Cameroon

Children enjoy the FIFA Football for schools event in Cameroon

Celebrations at the FIFA Football for schools launch event in Cameroon

 FIFA Football for schools teaches children life skills through football 

Children training at the FIFA Football for schools launch event

Applause at the FIFA Football for schools event in Cameroon

Children attending the event wore T-shirts produced within the C4+ bloc

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was proud to see his pledge of apparel produced in the Cotton-4 plus countries fulfilled

Children enjoying the F4S event 

A number of local children attended the event in Yaoundé

Football for Schools launched in Cameroon

KNVB Campus, Zeist

The Dutch men's national team training at the KNVB Campus in Zeist

KNVB General Secretary Gijs de Jong pictured with the FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström at the KNVB Campus in Zeist

FIFA Secretary General visits the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) 

FIFA Secretary General sees “performance and innovation come together” on KNVB Campus visit

On his first visit to the KNVB Campus since being appointed FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström was excited to witness first-hand the developments that are taking place in Zeist as the Dutch national team prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. 

FIFA SG visits KNVB Campus

FIFA, UNODC and global lawmakers unite in Zurich to strengthen fight against racism in football

Lawmakers from across the globe joined football stakeholders at the Home of FIFA in Zürich, Switzerland, last week for a two-day expert-group hearing aimed at strengthening criminal justice responses to racism in football.

FIFA and UNODC Expert Group Hearing

Talents Cup U16 - Kazakhstan lifting the trophy

Talents Cup U16 - Kyrgyz Republic vs Uzbekistan

Children from the National Academy took part in the event

The national anthem being played during the FIFA Talent Academy milestone event

Children attending the FIFA Talent Academy milestone event

Bulgaria forward Hristo Stoichkov and FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ winner Claudia Zornoza of Spain met the children

The TDS has played a key role in creating a talent identification system unlike anything previously seen in the country.

 National Academy has been established which now accommodates four boys’ age groups (2010–2014) and a girls’ team combining three age categories.

Nurdin BUKUEV, Vice President of Kyrgyz Football Union, with Ulf Schott, Head of FIFA's High Performance Programme

FIFA Talent Academy milestone event in Kyrgyz Republic

Revised FIFA Series 2026™ schedule includes addition of fourth women’s group hosted in Kenya

The addition of four women’s national teams and a new Host Member Association (MA), Kenya, as well as unanticipated logistical developments on the men’s side, has prompted a slight revision of the FIFA Series 2026™ schedule. 

FIFA Series 2026

FIFA launches fifth edition of Executive Programme in Sports Arbitration

FIFA has launched the fifth edition of its Executive Programme in Sports Arbitration, which provides participants with a theoretical and practical guide to proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

01_heroimage_sports_arbitration

FIFA Arena project goes mobile as Gianni Infantino inaugurates first temporary mini-pitch in Paris

FIFA President takes part in match with FIFA Legends to officially open three-day event on historic Place de la Concorde in Paris, France.

FRANCE - PARIS - MARCH 22 - FIFA ARENA

Children to benefit as FIFA President Gianni Infantino launches FIFA Boots for All

FIFA has purchased 20,000 pairs of football boots to be handed out for free to children around the world during project’s pilot phase

"What FIFA, and the president of FIFA, and Impulstar are giving us, is an opportunity to start the dream today," said Youri Djorkaeff.

FIFA President took part in match with FIFA Legends to officially open three-day event.

"We started on the street, like everyone else. And later, we became world champions here, in ‘98. So, it always starts with a dream," said Youri Djorkaeff.

The FIFA President concluded by calling for support to increase the impressive momentum behind FIFA Arena still further.

The event in Paris will raise awareness globally as hundreds of thousands of local residents and tourists pass the site daily.

"I’d like to start by congratulating FIFA and the President for these initiatives, because they go to the heart of football’s values. They allow people all around the world to play football," said French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo.

"Today we're launching a new initiative – a mobile FIFA Arena. We already have FIFA Arenas, which are just like this one. We want to build thousands of them around the world," said Mr Infantino.

The match featured the FIFA President, FIFA Legends and guests.

Situated on the world-famous Place de la Concorde in the heart of the French capital, the mini-pitch was opened with a celebratory match.

The FIFA Arena inauguration in Paris

"Today I can see everything FIFA has put in place for those young children," said FIFA Legend Emmanuel Adebayor

“ I think it's going to have an enormous impact," said Javier Pastore

 "We start now with a pilot phase, 20,000 boots in 10 to 15 countries. If the results are good, as we believe they will be, because the quality of these boots is very good, then, we'll produce many, many more," said President Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has helped hand out football boots to youngsters at the launch of the FIFA Boots for All initiative.

 Children in Mexico are the next scheduled to receive boots later this month.

President Infantino was joined by FIFA Legends to distribute FIFA-branded boots to children from the Paris suburbs during the launch event in the French capital. 

During the project’s initial phase, they will be distributed to boys and girls aged 8-16 who normally could not afford a pair.

To kickstart the campaign, FIFA has purchased 20,000 unbranded pairs of football boots in nine different sizes that can be used in training, competition and leisure settings.

The FIFA Boots for All initiative will provide free pairs of boots to underprivileged children around the world.

Launch of the FIFA Boots for All initiative in Paris

Japan triumph as AFC Women’s Asian Cup sends strong signal for women’s football

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 came to a spectacular close in Sydney as Japan defeated the hosts 1-0 to lift the continental title for the third time.

Japan lift the trophy, having won the 2026 Women's Asian Cup

World Cup Play-off Tournament nations reap FIFA Forward and Talent Development Scheme rewards

FIFA Member Associations (MAs) still need to work to develop football in their countries if they are to reach the highest level, and FIFA funding is there to help them via the FIFA Forward Programme.

Bolivia's forward Ramiro Vaca (C) celebrates with teammates

Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album kicks off with Lighter by Jelly Roll and Carín León, produced by Cirkut

Lighter is the first single release, bringing Canada, Mexico and the United States music talent in one song for the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album representing all three nations

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