Mattias Grafström returns to Sweden on historic day for Swedish football

On a historic day for football in Sweden, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström visited the Swedish Football Association’s (SvFF) headquarters, where he met with President Simon Åström and General Secretary Niclas Carlnén.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström with Swedish Football Association (SvFF) President Simon Åström and General Secretary Niclas Carlnen

First FIFA Arena in the United States inaugurated in Birmingham, Alabama

The city of Birmingham, Alabama, celebrated a historic milestone ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ with the official opening of the first FIFA Arena facility in the United States.

FIFA Arena and FIFA Boots for All launched in Rwanda

A momentous day for Rwandan football has seen the launch of the FIFA Boots for All and FIFA Arena programmes in the country as well as the official inauguration of an accommodation facility for the country’s national teams.

FIFA Arena inauguration and FIFA Boots 4 All launch

ADI Predictstreet named official prediction market partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™

FIFA has signed a landmark multi-year partnership with ADI Predictstreet, which has been appointed as the first-ever Official Partner for the prediction market category. 

FIFA x ADI - Partnership Signing Ceremony

Elite European referees gather for final seminar ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

The final seminar to prepare match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been held in Italy where 16 elite referees from 15 different European FIFA Member Associations (MAs) were put through their paces.

FWC26 Referee Seminar - Italy

Azerbaijan build on FIFA Series™ success and set sights on 2027

The FIFA Series™ 2026 proved a success for Azerbaijan, both in terms of results and organisation

Azerbaijan v Sierra Leone - FIFA Series 2026

Referee Danny Makkelie in action at the FWC26 Referee Seminar

Referee Anthony Taylor was among those at the FWC26 Referee Seminar

Former referee Cuneyt Çakir in attendance at the FWC26 Referee Seminar

Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg looks on during a training session part of the FWC26 Referee Seminar

Referees pose for a group picture after a training session part of the FWC26 Referee Seminar

Referee Istvan Kovacs is all smiles at the FWC26 Referee Seminar

Referees go through their paces as part of the FWC26 Referee Seminar 

Referees during a training session part of the FWC26 Referee Seminar at the Stadio dei Pini

Referees Felix Zwayer and Danny Makkelie in action during a training session at the FWC26 Referee Seminar

Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, during a training session part of the FWC26 Referee Seminar

Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee (right), reacts as he speaks with Massimo Busacca, FIFA Director of Refereeing

FIFA Series™ provides vital new experience for American Samoa

American Samoa’s national team had never played outside of Oceania in the 42 years since their federation was formed, but while their two games in the FIFA Series™ in Puerto Rico ended in defeat, they viewed the experience gained as invaluable.

American Samoa v Guam - FIFA Series 2026

US Virgin Islands v Puerto Rico - FIFA Series 2026

FIFA support key for development in American Samoa and US Virgin Islands

Landmark Safeguarding Policy to strengthen protection across global football

FIFA has published its first comprehensive safeguarding policy, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to protect and promote the well-being of everyone involved in football worldwide.

Kids Football in Soweto - 23-Jun, 2009

France reclaim top spot in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking

The first period in which the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking has been updated in real time during national team matches has brought a raft of changes to the standings with a total of 166 men’s internationals have been played since the last update

Colombia v France - International Friendly

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. 

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