The United States Welcomes the World with an All-Star FIFA World Cup 2026™ Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will open with a landmark celebration across North America, highlighted by a spectacular opening ceremony in Los Angeles — the world’s entertainment capital — bringing together football, music and entertainment on a global stage.

Opening Ceremonies announcement - USA

FIFA World Cup 2026™ opening ceremony set to deliver star-powered celebration in Mexico City

On Thursday, 11 June, the world will turn its eyes to Mexico as it opens the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a celebration full of sound, color, and meaning. 

Opening Ceremonies announcement - MEXICO

Pitch installation completed at FIFA World Cup 2026™ final venue

Five years of meticulous and collaborative research and innovation, aimed at providing the best possible surface for the players, have culminated in the installation of the pitch for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Workers install the pitch at New York New Jersey Stadium 

Canada to welcome the world with star-studded Opening Ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ 

On Friday, 12 June, at 13:30 (local) Canada will take centre stage as it hosts its opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, welcoming the world with a vibrant celebration inspired by its communities, rich diversity and the unifying power of football.

Opening Ceremonies announcement - CANADA

Bureau of the Council update on the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Following consultation with the confederations, the Bureau of the Council has unanimously decided to amend article 10 paragraph 2 of the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Yellow card and red card

Pitch installation at FIFA World Cup 2026™ final venue

Jessie Reyez and Elyanna fuse sound and culture with Illuminate, the fourth single from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album

Today, the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album expands with Illuminate, a new collaboration between Jessie Reyez and Elyanna, out now via SALXCO UAM & Def Jam Recordings. 

FIFA Sound / Illuminate - Jessie Reyez x Elyanna

Brazil stay top of both men’s and women’s futsal rankings

Brazil have remained top of both the women’s and men’s FIFA Futsal World Rankings, the latest editions of which feature five new teams apiece, demonstrating the game’s continued global growth.

FIFA Futsal World Rankings (May 2026)

Draw date for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ confirmed

FIFA has confirmed that the draw for the next edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ will take place in Łódź, Poland, on Friday, 15 May 2026. 

FIFA draw balls

Draws to set stage for historic Youth Olympic Futsal Tournaments Dakar 2026

Excitement is continuing to build ahead of the Youth Olympic Futsal Tournaments Dakar 2026, with the draws for the men’s and women’s tournaments set to take place at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, on 21 May 2026.

FIFA and Fanatics expand wide-ranging relationship to include historic exclusive collectibles agreement (trading cards, stickers and trading card games)

In a landmark agreement expanding their already successful wide-ranging commercial relationship, FIFA and Fanatics have signed a long-term, exclusive collectibles licensing deal that features trading cards, stickers, and trading card games. 

FIFA and Fanatics expand wide-ranging relationship to include historic exclusive collectibles agreement 

Gelson Fernandes appears at UN panel to talk about FIFA’s Global Stand Against Racism

Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations, has spoken at a United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) panel to explain how FIFA is tackling racism

Gerd Dembowski, FIFA Head of Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination and Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations

No Racism 

NO RACISM

Vancouver landmark to be transformed into official FIFA World Cup 2026™ match ball

As Vancouver, Canada prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks is to be transformed into a stunning symbol of the tournament.

Science World to be transformed into Official Match Ball of FIFA World Cup 2026™: TRIONDA

Growing the women’s game (April 2026)

Inside FIFA reviews some of the recent development work in women's football across diverse regions of the world during April 2026 including activity across much of the globe, plus 2023 co-hosts New Zealand reach Brazil 2027. 

Women's Football Campaign, Bhutan

FIFA Forward Awards 2026 – Americas Edition winners announced

The FIFA Forward Awards – Americas Edition recognise outstanding infrastructure projects supported by the FIFA Forward Programme.  FIFA MAs from Anguilla, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Paraguay were honoured.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a picture with Paraguay FA President Robert Harrison during the handling of the FIFA Forward Awards

Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) for the Design of a Football for Protection Toolkit for Coaches and the Development of a Football for Protection Training Kit 

The FIFA Foundation Refugee Programme aims to provide safe access to football for forcibly displaced people, particularly young adults, women and girls, from vulnerable communities.

FIFA President calls for global investment in football at the Milken Institute Global Conference

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a powerful call for increased investment in football, including within the United States, to help realise the goal of making the sport truly global. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the Milken Instiute Global Conference

Islana™ unveiled as FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ mascot 

As the European country prepares to host the 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™, the tournament’s Official Mascot, Islana™, is gearing up to welcome the global football family to her homeland. 

FIFA U-20 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2026 - Islana Official Mascot

Tenth anniversary book takes behind-the-scenes look at Gianni Infantino's FIFA Presidency

FIFA has published a book which delves behind the scenes and tells some remarkable stories from Gianni Infantino's first 10 years as FIFA President. 

FORWARD The revolution of football

FIFA International Player Transfer Course 2026 launched

FIFA has launched the 2026 edition of the FIFA International Player Transfer Course, a four-day educational initiative providing a hands-on approach to all aspects of the international transfer process.

Adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee sanctions Ian Alves

The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has banned Mr Ian Alves, former General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), from all football-related activities for a duration of five years.

FIFA flag

FIFA Member Associations in focus (April 2026)

FIFA provides financial and logistical support to its 211 Member Associations (MAs) through various programmes. Inside FIFA takes a look at the extraordinary work done during February 2026 to promote, strengthen and make football truly global. 

FIFA Arena Canada 

Club leaders convene in Vancouver to advance sustainable growth in Canada through Essential Courses in Club Management

FIFA recently held a FIFA Campus – Essential Courses in Club Management event in Vancouver, bringing together key stakeholders from across the global football landscape for two days of high-level exchange and strategic dialogue.

FIFA Campus - Essential courses in Club Management Vancouver 

FIFA joins United Nations in support of International Volunteer Year 2026

FIFA has enthusiastically supported the United Nations for its International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development initiative.

FIFA joins United Nations in support of International Volunteer Year

FIFA President has made ‘real and meaningful progress’ in the fight against racism

Two years after the FIFA Congress took a historic global stand against racism, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has told the 211 FIFA Member Associations (MAs) that “real and meaningful” progress has been made to remove the scourge from the sport.

FIFA Legends and Players’ Voice Panel (PVP) members join FIFA President Gianni Infantino on stage 

Investing in the future: Jill Ellis and Arsène Wenger call for renewed commitment to women and youth

FIFA’s Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger stressed the need for a renewed commitment to investing in women’s football and youth development. 

Jill Ellis, Chief Football Officer of FIFA, speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress

FIFA President Gianni Infantino tells 76th FIFA Congress he will stand for re-election in 2027

FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanked the 211 FIFA Member Associations (MAs) for their support and progress over the last 10 years as he addressed the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, and announced that he will stand for re-election in 2027. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the 76th FIFA Congress

76th FIFA Congress - Global Stand Against Racism

76th FIFA Congress 2026 | Global Stand Against Racism

FIFA Congress highlights the FIFA World Cup™ as a vehicle to unite the world and renews its pledge to stamp out racism in football

The FIFA Congress gathered in Vancouver, Canada, on 30 April 2026 and underscored how the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ in North America will bring together people from across the globe in a spirit of harmony and respect.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the 76th FIFA Congress 

76th FIFA Congress 2026 | FIFA President's Address

Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress 

76th FIFA Congress 2026 | Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina

FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis speaks at the 76th FIFA Congress

76th FIFA Congress 2026 | FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis

FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress

76th FIFA Congress 2026 | FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger

Be Active launches for FIFA World Cup 2026™, bringing joy to First Nation children

A fun-packed festival of football was enjoyed by local children ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress when legends joined a string of skills and drills sessions, as FIFA launched its special edition of the Be Active campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. 

FIFA World Cup mascots Maple the Moose, Zayu the Jaguar, and Clutch the Bald Eagle pose for a photo with children during the BeActive Training Session

President Gianni Infantino - FIFA Volunteer Community

First FIFA Arena in Canada inaugurated in Township of Langley, British Columbia

The township of Langley, British Columbia, has celebrated a historic milestone ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with the official opening of the first FIFA Arena facility in Canada.

 Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, Peter Augruso, President of the Canadian Soccer Association, and Eric Woodward, Mayor of the Township of Langley

Fan-friendly Concacaf House officially opens in Vancouver ahead of 76th FIFA Congress

The football cultures of the diverse nations that make up North and Central America and the Caribbean were celebrated at the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Concacaf House in Vancouver, Canada

Opening of the Concacaf House

General view of the 76th FIFA Congress

76th FIFA Congress 2026 - Full Video

260429 FIFA Council Announce_3870.jpg

FIFA Council decision has helped Afghan women “regain our identity”

“A transformed confederation”: FIFA President praises OFC’s commitment to football development

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is a “transformed confederation” thanks to its efforts to develop football in the region, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in his address to the 32nd OFC Ordinary Congress in Vancouver, Canada.

All news, stories and more