FIFA Secretary General sees bright future for football in Oceania after New Zealand seal historic FIFA World Cup 26™ qualification

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has congratulated New Zealand on securing Oceania’s first-ever guaranteed FIFA World Cup™ spot, describing the historic achievement as “another significant milestone in the development of football in the region”.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and Oceania Football Confederation President Lambert Maltock during a visit to OFC headquarters in New Zealand

FIFA Secretary General hails new FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ as “the missing piece” in the football ecosystem

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has highlighted the array of opportunities afforded by the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, attending an expert panel at The Business of Soccer conference in Los Angeles, Unitrd States.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström

FIFA World Cup 26™ International Broadcast Centre to be hosted in Dallas

FIFA is pleased to announce that the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas has been selected as the official hub for the FIFA World Cup 26™ International Broadcast Centre (IBC).

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center 

FIFA Council approves unprecedented prize money pot for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and takes key decisions on women’s competitions

FIFA’s robust financial foundation to develop football around the world took centre stage at the meeting of the FIFA Council, which unanimously approved the Annual Report 2024, including the revised budget revenue target of USD 13 billion for 2023-2026.

A general view during FIFA Council meeting no.31

FIFA Secretary General attends “constructive” IFAB Annual General Meeting in Belfast

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has described the 139th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The International Football Association Board (The IFAB) as “very constructive and fruitful” following discussions in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström speaks during a press conference following the IFAB 139th Annual General Meeting

FIFA Secretary General, National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner and co-chair of the Women’s Leagues Forum discuss future development of women’s game

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has met National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Commissioner and co-chair of the Women’s Leagues Forum, Jessica Berman, in New York, United States, to discuss the development of the women’s professional game.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström meets National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) commissioner Jessica Berman

FIFA officials pay tribute to Dennis Bergkamp at Football Writers’ Association Awards ceremony

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger have both paid tribute to Dennis Bergkamp after seeing the legendary former Netherlands international pick up a prestigious award.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and Arsenal and Dutch Legend Dennis Bergkamp pose for a photo

FIFA Secretary General celebrates Portuguese Football Federation’s 110th anniversary

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Gräfstrom has congratulated the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) on its 110th anniversary, praising the organisation’s “impact on the global football stage over the years”.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Gräfstrom speaks at the Portuguese Football Federation's 110th anniversary gala in Lisbon, Portugal

FIFA announces multi-year agreement with Rock-it Cargo as Official Logistics Provider of FIFA World Cup 26™

FIFA has selected Rock-it Cargo, a Global Critical Logistics (GCL) company, as the Official Logistics Provider of the FIFA World Cup 26™ – the game-changing edition of the tournament set to take place across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and President and CEO of GCL, the parent company of Rock-it Cargo, Daniel Rosenthal 

Gianni Infantino welcomes FIFA’s ‘glocal’ presence at Member Associations Division workshop

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has highlighted the crucial role FIFA’s Member Associations (MA) Division plays in making football truly global at a three-day workshop for the division’s collaborators at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

MA Division & Regional Offices - Annual Gathering in Zurich

Member associations hand over bid books for 2030 and 2034 editions of the FIFA World Cup™

Following on from the bidding processes for the 2030 and 2034 editions of the FIFA World Cup™, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström received the bid books from the relevant FIFA Member Associations in Paris.

FIFA World Cup 2030™ and 2034™ bid handover

Mattias Grafström formally appointed as FIFA Secretary General

The FIFA Council met in advance of the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, and formally appointed Mattias Grafström as FIFA Secretary General following his nomination on an ad interim basis in October 2023.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L) congratulates FIFA Secretary General Ad interim Mattias Grafström after his appointment as FIFA Secretary General during the FIFA Council Meeting

FIFA Council approves Women’s International Match Calendar 2026-2029

The FIFA Council met in advance of the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, and adopted several key decisions, particularly in relation to the future of women’s football, for which the international match calendar was unanimously approved.

A general view during the FIFA Council Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand

FIFA Secretary General praises 'inspiring' women’s national team achievement in Azerbaijan

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has praised the work the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) has done to give the country a thriving national women’s football team.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura in Azerbaijan

Secretary General praises women's football development at Laos Football for Schools launch

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has attended the kick-off ceremony of the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) programme in Laos, and hailed the efforts of the Lao Football Federation (LFF) to bring girls and women into the game.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura (R) and Lao Football Federation President Viphet Sihachakr (L) during FIFA Football 4 Schools launch

Secretary General praises federation’s football development work in Bhutan

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has praised the work of the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) for their efforts – with support from the FIFA Forward programme – in developing the beautiful game in the Himalayan kingdom.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura pictured with Ugyen Academy Principal, Norbu Gyaltshen 

FIFA Secretary General receives UCSA African Sports Award

Fatma Samoura has received the UCSA African Sports Award as the Best Female Sports Personality in Africa in recognition of her achievements during more than seven years as FIFA Secretary General.

Isha Johansen  receives African Sports Award on behalf of FIFA Secretary General in Egypt

FIFA Secretary General launches Football for Schools in Philippines

 FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has attended the launch ceremony of the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) programme in the Philippines.

Group photo during FIFA Football 4 Schools in Manila, Philippines

FIFA Secretary General receives Choiseul Grand Prix award in Casablanca

Fatma Samoura has received the Choiseul Grand Prix award at a ceremony in Casablanca, Morocco, in recognition of her achievements during more than seven years as FIFA Secretary General.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura attends the Choiseul Africa Awards

Secretary General praises "commitment to youth" as Football for Schools launches in Ethiopia

FIFA SG attends Football for Schools launch in Ethiopia.

Secretary General of FIFA, Fatma Samoura, partakes in a group photo at a FIFA Football For Schools event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

FIFA Secretary General pays return visit to Dire Dawa in Ethiopia

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has paid a return visit to Dire Dawa, following up on her trip last year when she pledged FIFA’s support to develop football in Ethiopia’s second biggest city. 

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, partakes in a group photo at the launch of a FIFA Football For Schools event in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

FIFA Secretary General calls for investment in African football at AWIEF awards

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has received the inaugural Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Lifetime Leadership Award at a ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, where she urged delegates to "invest in African football".

FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, interacts with the CEO of the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum, Irene Ochem

FIFA Secretary General visits Dakar Sacré-Cœur as innovative agreement is signed

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has visited a club in her native Senegal and celebrated the signing of an innovative three-party agreement that will promote access to sport for girls and boys in the African country.

FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, stands for a group photo with an all girls football team and club representavies at the Dakar Sacre Couer football training grounds

FIFA Forward creating new opportunities in Africa, Fatma Samoura tells Sport Impact Summit

Fatma Samoura has hailed the positive impact of the FIFA Forward initiative on football in Africa with the Secretary General telling the Sport Impact Summit the USD 1.25 billion investment in the game on the continent is developing the sport and society.

FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, speaks at the opening of the Sport Impact Summit in Dakar

Fatma Samoura lauds FIFA Women’s World Cup™ success at IWF Leadership Conference

Fatma Samoura discussed the success and legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ during a question-and-answer session at the International Women’s Forum (IWF) World Leadership Conference 2023.

Outgoing FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura during the 2023 IWF World Leadership Conference & Gala

FIFA Council takes key decisions on FIFA World Cup™ editions in 2030 and 2034

Following extensive consultation with all confederations and given the importance of marking the centenary of the FIFA World Cup™, the FIFA Council took key decisions in relation to the bidding and hosting of the Centenary edition of the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Trophy and Confederation flags

FIFA Secretary General honoured with Best of Africa Legacy award

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has been honoured for trailblazing work she has carried out in her role at FIFA by the Best of Africa Awards in London, UK. 

Fatma Samoura at The Londoner Hotel in London

FIFA Secretary General concludes visit to Tahiti by attending OFC U-16 Women’s Championship final

Fatma Samoura has concluded her visit to Tahiti where she attended the final stages of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, met with several government and football officials and discussed football's part in helping sustainable development.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura visits Tahiti

FIFA Secretary General receives prestigious Lifetime Achievement award from WFS

Fatma Samoura honoured with the inaugural World Football Summit (WFS) Lifetime Achievement Award

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura attends World Football Summit Europe 2023

Fatma Samoura: "This is only the beginning for women's football"

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ will leave a long and lasting legacy that will be felt beyond the four lines of the pitch, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said as she addressed the opening of the Second FIFA Women's Football Convention in Sydney.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura at the FIFA Women's Football Convention

UN World Food Programme Executive Director thanks FIFA for supporting Zero Hunger social impact cause

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ semi-final between Australia and England featured the Unite for Zero Hunger social impact cause, which is being promoted by FIFA and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura (L) and Executive Director of the World Food Programme Cindy McCain (C)

Gender equity the talking point as Secretary General speaks at final EQUALIZE event

 FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura visited Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau Monday evening to speak at the EQUALIZE: The State of Play event organised by New Zealand Story.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura during Equalize: The State of Play on August 14,2023 in Auckland, New Zealand

FIFA host Māori youth and chaperones for an unforgettable experience

48 Māori rangatahi (youth) aged 11-18 and 9 chaperones from were guests of FIFA last night at the quarter-final match between Japan and Sweden at Eden Park.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura with kids group during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Japan and Sweden at Eden Park 

Women’s football growth in the spotlight as Secretary General headlines inspirational event

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has headlined a programme of dynamic speakers at an inspirational event exploring the changing trends in women’s sport.

The Winning Playbook -  FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA and United Nations join together to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

FIFA and the United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR) jointly staged an event celebrating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which has coincided with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ being played in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) with Oriini Kaipara (L) and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura (R) at the International Day of the World's Indigenous People event 

Secretary General advocates for female empowerment at Power of Her Symposium

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura visited Adelaide / Tarntanya Tuesday morning to speak at a Power of Her Symposium organised by the South Australian Government.

Power of Her Symposium -  FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA helps First Nations girls enjoy trip of a lifetime

50 First Nations girls aged 11-15 from Western Australia, Northern Territory and Central/Far North Queensland were treated to a trip of a lifetime when they visited Brisbane/Meaanjin.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura with Indigenous kids from Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland duing the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium

Empowering women’s football at the heart of Angel City Equity Summit 

The FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has joined a host of football luminaries at the Angel City Equity Summit delivering the keynote closing address at the Sydney Opera House.

Angel City Equity Summit at Sydney's Opera House -  FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Secretary General speaks at Gender Equality Symposium 

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura visited Brisbane / Meaanjin on Friday morning to speak at a Gender Equality Symposium organised by the Australian Government.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura speaks at the Gender Equality Symposium in Brisbane

No security concerns ahead of opening FIFA Women’s World Cup™ match

FIFA would like to express its appreciation for the support provided by the AotearoaNew Zealand authorities following the tragic incident that took place in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau some hours before the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup2023™.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) and Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Grant Robertson

Seize the moment and be proud, says FIFA President on eve of Women’s World Cup™

Gianni Infantino emphasised that the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™ would be a truly global event and, on the eve of the opening match, said he had a simple message to fans, tournament organisers and participating teams.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Official Opening Press Conference

Secretary General inspects facilities in three cities

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has completed venue inspections in Australia ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™.

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