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

"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

"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

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

FWC26_official_album_16x9

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

FIFA Council approves landmark regulations to increase female coach representation at the highest level

FIFA Council highlights power of football and the FIFA World Cup™ to build bridges and promote peace

FIFA Disciplinary Committee sanctions Israel Football Association

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided that the Israel Football Association (IFA) has committed multiple breaches of its obligations as a FIFA Member Association.

Japan v New Caledonia:  FIFA Under-17 World Cup

FIFA’s steadfast commitment to peace and unity was at the core of the online FIFA Council meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, at which FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for peace.

FIFA Council Meeting 2026

The FIFA Council has today approved groundbreaking regulations that will reshape the future of women’s football, mandating female representation in team leadership across all its women’s competitions. 

FIFA Women's Football Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Programme

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström during the online FIFA Council meeting held at the Home of FIFA

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström during the online FIFA Council meeting held at the Home of FIFA

General view during the online FIFA Council meeting held at the Home of FIFA

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström during the online FIFA Council meeting held at the Home of FIFA 

FIFA President Gianni Infaninto speaks during the online FIFA Council meeting held at the Home of FIFA 

Meeting no. 35 of the FIFA Council

FIFA meets with African Union Sports Council and Council of Europe to discuss social impact initiatives

A meeting has been held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, bringing together representatives from the African Union Sports Council and the Council of Europe to exchange views on how football can contribute to social progress.

FIFA Meeting with Governmental Organisations Representatives 12 March 2026

Agenda for FIFA Council meeting now available

The agenda for the upcoming FIFA Council meeting, to be held by videoconference on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 15:00 CET, is now available.

FIFA emblem at the Home of FIFA

FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings go live with real-time updates during men’s and women’s national team matches

The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings will now be updated live in an exciting and innovative change that will mean fans can see where their country ranks as goals are scored in matches around the world.

FIFA - FIFA Rankings graphic

FIFA’s Football for Schools programme launched in Japan

Launch event took place at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo

FIFA Football for Schools - Japan Football Association

Fiji gets FIFA Arena mini-pitch, first in Oceania

Fiji has become the first country in Oceania to inaugurate a FIFA Arena mini-pitch, meaning that the project, which aims to benefit children in underprivileged urban and rural areas around the world, is now active in all six confederations.

FIFA Arena in Fiji | Photo: Fiji Football Association

FIFA launches inaugural edition of Executive Programme on Compliance in Sport

Drawing on the expertise developed over many years, FIFA is delighted to launch the FIFA Executive Programme on Compliance in Sport. 

Compliance in sport programmee

FIFA enhances club management and governance across the Americas

FIFA has recently concluded a series of workshops aimed at strengthening club management and governance across Central America and the Caribbean.

FIFA Essential Course in Club Management Workshop

The fourth edition of the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma kicks off in Paris

The 20-month training course began with a six-day workshop in Paris, France. The agenda is packed with theory sessions, hands-on exercises and an outing to Clairefontaine. 

Launch of FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma - Clairefontaine

The Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, hosted the second FIFA Safeguarding Summit

The summit brought together approximately 170 participants, including experts from UNICEF, UNESCO and the Council of Europe

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasised that the protective framework of the game is fundamental to its success. 

The centrepiece of the summit was the graduation ceremony for the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Football Diploma, a professional qualification developed in partnership with the Open University. 

FIFA Council member Johanna Wood, herself a former graduate, assured the new FIFA Guardians of the organisation's lasting support

Since the programme’s launch in January 2021, its reach has grown exponentially, with almost 50,000 people worldwide registering for at least one course

Marie-Laure Lemineur, FIFA Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection, noted that the increasing enrolment numbers indicate a growing "buy-in" from the football ecosystem.

This second cohort completed a demanding 18-month programme that included: five online courses totalling over 70 hours of learning; a series of five webinars and two written assignments and intensive residential workshops

Guardians of the Game: Second FIFA Safeguarding Summit celebrates new graduates

Australia become first team to qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™

Australia have become the first country to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ with the 2023 co-hosts and semi-finalists reaching the global showpiece for the ninth successive edition.

Australia v Korea DPR - AFC Women's Asian Cup - Australia Qualification

Disciplinary sanctions concerning FIFA World Cup™ qualifying

FIFA has published the sanctions imposed by its Disciplinary Committee for incidents that took place in November 2025 as part of the preliminary competition for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

A FIFA World Cup 2026 badge

FIFA Safeguarding Summit 2026

Second FIFA Safeguarding Summit at the Home of FIFA

FIFA launches parental handbook to support families navigating agent representation in youth football

Together with the Football Agent Working Group and Loughborough University, FIFA has developed the FIFA Parents’ Education on Football Handbook. 

FIFA Parents’ Education on Football Handbook Cover

Romania and Uganda unlock women’s football’s commercial potential with FIFA support

The FIFA Commercial Strategy was established to enhance the commercial value of women’s football, with Romania and Uganda recently taking part in pilot projects focussed on their national leagues, with the programme available to all Member Associations. 

FIFA Commercial Strategy programme launch, Romania

Jill Ellis focuses on expanding opportunity on International Women’s Day

Two consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and a pair of FIFA World Coach of the Year awards stand as an emphatic testament to Jill Ellis’ managerial talent. 

Panel Discussion with Arsène Wenger and Jill Ellis

'Representation matters' for female referees says Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day provides a vital opportunity to celebrate the women shaping football at every level; female referees are increasingly breaking barriers, demonstrating on the field that excellence and competence define authority rather than gender

The Game Changers with Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb

Sissi on women's football evolution: ‘No one dreamed of it’

When Sisleide do Amor Lima, better known to the football world as Sissi, was told as a child that playing the game was out of the question for a girl, it sparked a rebellion inside her that drove her all the way to the top of the sport.

FIFAPLS_MD_B_Sissi_Hero_01_AR

President Gianni Infantino raises FIFA flag over Paris office

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has raised the FIFA flag above the organisation’s office in Paris, France, during a special ceremony to mark the presence of world football’s governing body in the city in which it was founded in 1904.

FIFA Paris Office Flag Ceremony

FIFA and six confederations reaffirm united front on anti-doping ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™ and revised global regulations

FIFA convened a two-day Anti-Doping Confederations Meeting, bringing together the anti-doping units from all six confederations to strengthen collaboration and align preparations for the upcoming international football and 2027 World Anti-Doping Code cycle

FIFA Anti-Doping Confederations Meeting - Miami

FIFA Member Associations in focus (February 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. 

Costa Rica Training Session - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA Pitch Research Project field day held at University of Tennessee

FIFA World Cup 2026™ experts, turf scientists and groundskeepers attend two-day workshops in Knoxville, Tennessee

FIFA Future Host Visit SB

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President during the FIFA Paris Office Event at FIFA Paris

Youri Djorkaeff, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President during the FIFA Paris Office Event 

Jeanne D'Hauteserre, Youri Djorkaeff, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President and Philippe Diallo during the FIFA Paris Office Event

 Yann de Pontbriand, Jeanne D'Hauteserre, Youri Djorkaeff, Elkhan Mammadov, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President and Philippe Diallo during the FIFA Paris Office Event

Philippe Diallo and Gianni Infantino, FIFA President during the FIFA Paris Office Event

Youri Djorkaeff and Gianni Infantino, FIFA President during the FIFA Paris Office Event 

Elkhan Mammadov and Gianni Infantino, FIFA President during the FIFA Paris Office Event

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President during the FIFA Paris Office Event at FIFA Paris 

Jeanne D'Hauteserre, Youri Djorkaeff, Elkhan Mammadov, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President and Philippe Dialloduring the FIFA Paris Office Event

FIFA World Cup 2026™ coordination and collaboration advances in Atlanta

Planning and preparation for the largest sporting and social event in history has advanced in Atlanta, Georgia, with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City welcoming over 300 international delegates for the quadrennial pre-tournament Team Workshop.

FIFA Workshops in Atlanta - Day 2

Tickets now on sale for FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament

Ticket sales for the landmark FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament are now open via FIFA.com/tickets, with prices starting at MXN 200 (approx. USD 11.50).

Ticket Sale FWC 2026 Play-Off Tournament ENG

Nearly 80 local educators and coaches participated in the launch event

FIFA’s pioneering Football for Schools (F4S) initiative has arrived in the United States

An action shot of a child enjoying a practical session at the FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop 

FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop and Launch Event USA - Atlanta

A child and coach enjoy a break at the FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop 

A coach at the FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop 

A child receives a participation t-shirt at the FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop 

Certificates for coaches at the FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop and Launch Event USA - Atlanta

A child takes a shot at goal at the FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop and Launch Event USA - Atlanta

Children listen attentively at the FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop 

A group of children enjoy the FIFA Football for Schools Capacity Building Workshop

FIFA Football for Schools launches in the USA with Atlanta training event

FIFA’s pioneering Football for Schools (F4S) initiative has arrived in the United States just a few months before the transformative FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off in North America.

FIFA World Cup 2026 preparation continues for AFC, CAF and OFC elite referees

Referees from Asia, Africa and Oceania took their next steps towards officiating in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ when they participated in the second of a series of intensive refereeing seminars organised by world football’s governing body.

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