Football in Bhutan continues steady ascent with FIFA support

Once known for fielding one of football’s lowest-ranked teams, the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) has made remarkable progress thanks to President Dasho Ugen Tsechup and funding from the FIFA Forward Programme.

Inauguration of Bhutan Football Federation Headquarters and Technical Centre

Volunteer applications officially open for FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™

 FIFA invites individuals from Brazil and across the globe to become part of the world’s largest women’s sporting event by volunteering at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. Registration is open at FIFAWomensWorldCup.com/volunteers.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ impact felt in mid-year transfer window

FIFA today released its International Transfer Snapshot (1 June - 2 September 2026), providing an analysis of international player transfer activity during the 2026 mid-year transfer window. 

FIFA Talent Academy Kosovo milestone event takes place at Hajvalia national camp

The FIFA Talent Academy Kosovo at the Football Federation of Kosovo's (FFK) national camp in Hajvalia celebrated a milestone event, marking what officials described as a landmark moment for the country's football development. 

FIFA Talent Academy Milestone Event in Kosovo

New Caledonia: a historic first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ powered by collective ambition

New Caledonia prepare for first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ appearance

New Caledonia celebrate qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ – Technical Study Group announced

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ is almost upon us, with excitement building as the 24 teams make their final preparations and the brightest prospects in their squads gear up to shine on the global stage.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ – Technical Study Group 

FIFA’s global support highlighted at Women’s National Team Preparation Programme workshop 

FIFA’s commitment towards the ongoing growth and development of women’s football took another major step recently with the hosting of the Women’s National Team Preparation Programme (WNT – PP). 

Women’s National Team Preparation Programme workshop, DFB Campus, Frankfurt

FIFA's support helps strong growth of football in Indonesia

Since the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023™, the first FIFA tournament held in the country, the partnership between world football’s governing body and the PSSI has deepened year on year.

Fans wave Indonesian flags

Pablo Milad praises FIFA’s role in transforming Chilean football

Strategic investment through FIFA’s Forward Programme has helped drive major modernisation of football across Chile. Strategic investment through FIFA’s Forward Programme has helped drive major modernisation of football across Chile

General view of the new Centro de Alto Rendimiento José Manuel Sulantay Silva

Biggest football esports season to date to reach its climax at FIFAe Finals 2026 in Jeddah this October

The FIFAe Finals is heading to Jeddah for the first time, with this year’s edition set to bring together some of the standout names in the football esports world after a record-breaking qualification journey involving more than 120 nations. 

Exclusive Visa presale for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™ begins

As the countdown to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™ continues, Visa cardholders are being offered an exclusive opportunity to secure their spot in the stands ahead of the crowd.

Exclusive Visa presale for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 begins

FIFA support makes “tremendous impact” on island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island nation in the Caribbean of around 50,000 people. But football is growing thanks to FIFA’s support. Making the game truly global includes investing in deserving, passionate places like Saint Kitts and Nevis. 

Harry Panayiotou of St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates with team mates 

Growing the women’s game (August 2026)

Inside FIFA looks at women's football development activity across various FIFA’s programmes during August 2026 with updates from various continents, news from the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™, and more. 

Women's Football Campaign, National Training Center, Bati, Cambodia

APF President Robert Harrison hails FIFA’s role in transforming football in Paraguay

Football in Paraguay has made remarkable strides over the past decade, driven by the country’s deep passion for the game and a strategic, productive partnership between FIFA and the Paraguayan Football Association (APF). 

Players during the FIFA Talent Academy Paraguay milestone event at CARDIF

Squad lists confirmed for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™

From Saturday, 5 September to Sunday, 27 September, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ will showcase women’s football’s Stars in the Making™, with all 24 participating nations having now confirmed their official squads.

View of the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Colombia trophy during a official draw rehearsal

FIFA Member Associations Blog

Latest updates on Member Associations

Peru inaugurates second FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Puerto Pizarro

Pitch opened in coastal community which is linked to artisanal fishing and local tourism. Previously, a FIFA Arena mini-pitch also inaugurated last week in the San Luis district of Lima. FIFA Boots for All initiative has also been launched in Peru.

Vietnam’s ASEAN Championship triumph reflects “hard work” which has grown the game, says FIFA President

Vietnam’s triumph on home soil in the final of the 16th ASEAN Championship was an inspiring testament to the “hard work that they have done, by the federation, by the government,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

 FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the ASEAN cup final in Hanoi, Vietnam

FIFA Forward funding has also strengthened national football and futsal competitions across men’s, women’s and youth categories, while supporting national-team activities and overseas travel.

The FCF Academy has been renovated to provide facilities suited to training, competition, and the development of both players and staff. 

Through the FIFA Forward Programme, that progress extends beyond talent identification and player development. It is underpinned by stronger infrastructure and more competitive domestic competitions. 

 "It gives young talents around the world equal opportunities to develop, regardless of their background or the size of their association,” he added.

“The Talent Development Scheme is undoubtedly one of the most significant FIFA-supported programmes in New Caledonia", FCF President Steeve Laigle said.

It is now serving a similar purpose for the young women who will represent New Caledonia in Poland. 

It supplied players to the men’s side that made their FIFA competition debut at the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017™, returning to the same stage in 2023 before the country’s first FIFA U-20 World Cup™ appearance in Chile in 2025.

The academy has become an important pathway for New Caledonia’s national teams.

it was designed to bring together the country’s most promising young players, identified from the age of 13, through a scouting programme, and give them opportunities such as overseas training camps

The FCF Academy, comprising a women’s section launched in 2019 and a men’s section established in 2022, was developed with support from FIFA and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).

Talent Development Scheme: New Caledonia

New technical centre marks FIFA’s latest investment in the growth of Grenadian football

The Grenada Football Association (GFA) broke ground on its new Technical Development Centre in Simon in late 2025. Funded by the FIFA Forward Programme, the facility represents only part of FIFA’s effort to develop the game across the Caribbean country.

Grenada flag 

Al-Ahli and Auckland FC to kick off FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026™ in Jeddah

Al-Ahli and Auckland FC will kick off the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026™ when they meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.

FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup

Burundian MA President Muyenge thanks FIFA for “fruitful collaboration” during Zurich visit

The President of the Football Federation of Burundi (FFB) Alexandre Muyenge has thanked FIFA for its “fruitful collaboration” during a visit to the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, where he had various meetings.

Burundian Football Association President Evariste Ndayishimiye with FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer Gelson Fernandes

FIFA announces new editions of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management and the FIFA Players Executive Programme 

FIFA is pleased to announce the fourth edition of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management, alongside the FIFA Players Executive Programme for its second edition, both of which are set to kick off in November 2026 and run until April 2028. 

FIFA announces new editions of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management and the FIFA Players Executive Programme  - Hero

Brazil’s futebol arte to be celebrated as the Final Draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ heads to Rio’s Museum of Modern Art

The Final Draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ is set to take place on Friday, 11 December 2026 at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro (MAM Rio). 

A view of the Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern art

From the Air Dome to the grassroots, Mongolia lays a football foundation with FIFA support

Saddled with long and harsh winters, fluctuating temperatures and the lowest population density of any FIFA member, the Mongolian Football Federation (MFF) combines creativity with FIFA assistance to grow football in challenging conditions.

A bird's eye view of Mongolia's newly constructed air-dome at the MFF National Teams Training Centre

Bolivia opens the country’s second FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Bolivia inaugurates the country's second FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

The FBF has inaugurated a new FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, located just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Estadio Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera. 

Gianni Infantino: FIFA’s mission is to grow football everywhere and narrow the global gap

 FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for the gap between the biggest football countries and the rest of the world to be narrowed, with FIFA committed to providing the best possible “opportunities, access and resources2

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Anguilla Football Association President Girdon Connor pose for a photo at the CFU Presidents Meeting

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a photo at the CFU Presidents Meeting

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a photo at the CFU Presidents' Meeting

“To grow football in every corner of the world”: FIFA President meets CFU Member Associations in Dominican Republic

“To grow football in every corner of the world”: FIFA President meets Caribbean Football Union (CFU) members in Dominican Republic

FIFA President Gianni Infantino met FIFA MAs from the CFU in the Dominican Republic, on the sidelines of a FIFA Forward-supported CFU U-14 Challenge Series – an event which he said showed the benefits of investing in the game globally.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the CFU Presidents’ Meeting 2026

Bolivia has inaugurated its first FIFA Arena mini-pitch in La Paz

Bolivia inaugurates the world’s highest FIFA Arena mini-pitch in La Paz

The Bolivian Football Association has opened its first FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Munaypata, north-west La Paz. 

FIFA Arena inauguration on August 19, 2026 in La Paz, Bolivia

FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposes sanctions following incidents at FIFA World Cup 2026™

After a thorough assessment of the relevant cases, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed sanctions for incidents at different FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches.

A general view during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium 

Peru opens its first FIFA Arena mini-pitch and launches FIFA’s Boots for All Programme in the country

The Peruvian Football Association has opened the country’s first FIFA Arena mini-pitch in San Luis, Lima while 30 local boys and girls received football boots as FIFA’s Boots for All Programme was launched in Peru. 

Peru inaugurates its first FIFA Arena mini-pitch and launches FIFA’s ‘Boots for All’ programme

Mauritanian FA President Ahmed Yahya lauds FIFA Forward impact

Football’s accelerating growth in Mauritania is a testament not only to the game’s powerful potential, but the fruitful partnership between FIFA and the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (FFRIM).

Mauritania fans 

FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ to take women’s game to new heights, says Gianni Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ will provide women’s football with a massive boost as the showpiece tournament heads to South America for the very first time.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Player-first approach at the heart of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ match schedule

A significant milestone was reached today in the preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, with the tournament Match Schedule being unveiled on Thursday 20 August alongside the Play-Off Tournament draw.

FIFA’s Chief Women's Football Officer Dame Sarai Bareman

Fixtures for preliminary phase of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Play-Off Tournament confirmed following draw

The draw for the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™  Play-Off Tournament took place today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich as the six participating teams learned their fate.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ brand launch

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ match schedule unveiled

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ champions to lift trophy at Maracanã as match schedule unveiled

FIFA has today unveiled the match schedule for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, confirming when and where all 64 fixtures will be played across Brazil’s eight vibrant Host Cities. 

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