‘Football belongs to everyone,’ says Gianni Infantino as historic FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ kicks off in Azerbaijan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival™ “truly unites the world” as the first edition of the tournament kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Day 1 - FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a photo with Gibraltar players at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino watches a match at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gives an interview at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a photo with Turkmenistan players at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a photo with a match official at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a photo with Venezuela players at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends opening day of FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™

‘They will never forget this’: High-Performance specialist Hannu Tihinen on the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™

The former Finland international is watching young footballers experience their first journey abroad, make friends and understand what global football means.

Hannu Tihinen, FIFA High Performance Specialist attends an interview 

India: 12,000 players scouted in search of tomorrow’s stars

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) assessed more than 12,000 players as part of a talent scouting operation launched two years ago

India U-15 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™

Exclusive Visa presale for FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Miami 2027™ begins

As the countdown to the final phase of the second edition of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ continues, Visa cardholders are being offered an exclusive, one-week window to secure tickets for the international event.

Gianni Infantino thanks Asian Football Confederation for support 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has thanked the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for showing its “warm support, trust and unity” at the AFC Extraordinary Congress in Tokyo, Japan.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the AFC Extraordinary Congress

From investment to opportunity: Azerbaijan’s path to the global stage

Azerbaijan will host the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ from 24-30 October 2026, with 189 FIFA member associations taking part

General View of Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 will be played

FIFA brings 23 Member Associations together in Mexico for first Infrastructure Essentials Programme workshop

Workshop held in Mexico City on 15 and 16 October

FIFA Essential Programme in Infrastructure for Member Associations in the Americas workshop - Day 2

78 FIFA Member Associations to make their FIFA World Cup debut at inaugural U-15 World Cup & Festival in Baku

When the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ kicks off in Baku on 24 October, football history will be made on an unprecedented scale: of the 189 participating Member Associations, 78 will feature in a FIFA World Cup competition for the first time.

FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ 

FIFA opens tender process for media rights to the FIFA World Cup 2030™ and FIFA World Cup 2034™ in the United States and Puerto Rico

FIFA has launched the invitation to tender (ITT) for media rights to the FIFA World Cup 2030™ in the United States and Puerto Rico, with an option for interested parties to also secure the FIFA World Cup 2034™. 

TV camera

Qatar to host final three matches of FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026™

FIFA has confirmed that Qatar will host the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026™, with continental champions competing for three trophies on 9, 12 and 16 December.

FIFA Intercontinental Cup Trophy in Doha

Bureau of the Council takes key decisions

Following on from the FIFA Council meeting held in Zurich, Switzerland, on 15 October 2026, the Bureau of the Council has taken the following decisions.

FIFA emblem at the Home of FIFA

Bureau of the Council approvals to elevate women’s football competitions and stakeholders

The Bureau of the Council has taken key decisions, which underline FIFA’s steadfast commitment to the development of women’s football globally.

FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy 

Gianni Infantino meets Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto in Tokyo

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has thanked Japan Football Association (JFA) President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto for his vision and support in expanding opportunities for the next generation of players during a meeting in Tokyo, Japan. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto

FIFA & FIFA President receives apology from ‘The Times’ 

FIFA takes note of an apology published today by The Times following an inaccurate and damaging report.

South African football flourishing thanks to FIFA investment says Danny Jordaan

Still revelling in the afterglow of South Africa’s euphoric, historic run to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ knockout stage, South Africa Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan has expressed his gratitude to FIFA.

Thapelo Maseko #12 of South Africa celebrates

Spain widen gap atop FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, Malawi soar

Con la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA™ en el horizonte para todas las selecciones, y con muchas de ellas ya con su puesto asegurado, la nueva edición de la Clasificación Mundial Femenina FIFA/Coca-Cola llega tras 183 partidos 

Alexia Putellas #11 of Spain celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammates during the international friendly match between United States and Spain at Subaru Park on October 13, 2026 in Chester, Pennsylvania.

FIFA Foundation supports communities affected by devastating flash floods in Nepal

Flood damage has displaced families, disrupted livelihoods and limited access to essential services. FIFA Foundation is working with humanitarian partners to provide emergency assistance to affected communities

Rabat to welcome six nations in pivotal FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Play-Off Tournament preliminary phase

Rabat, Morocco has been confirmed as the host for the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Play-Off Tournament, bringing together six nations from across the globe for a crucial step on the road to next year’s showpiece event in Brazil.

Visa presale opens for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ tickets 

 Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ are now available at fifa.com/tickets, with sales opening through an exclusive presale for Visa cardholders. 

Visa presale opens for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ tickets

FIFA President opens Bhutan visit by witnessing football development first-hand

FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed to Bhutan by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) President Dasho Ugen Tsechup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and His Majesty King Jigme Khesar

Côte d’Ivoire reaping the rewards of a lasting partnership

In Côte d’Ivoire, FIFA and the Ivorian Football Association (FIF) have worked side by side for several years on a range of initiatives aimed at growing the game. The FIFA Series 2026™ women’s event, held in Abidjan in April, was a case in point.

Cote d'Ivoire v Pakistan - FIFA Women's Series 2026

Madagascar looks to future with new FIFA Arena and National Technical Centre

Madagascar’s football community celebrated a historic weekend on 17 and 18 October as the Malagasy Football Association (FMF) inaugurated two major facilities developed with FIFA’s support.

FIFA Forward: Madagascar technical centre inauguration

Dignitaries and young players gather at the Carion National Technical Centre inauguration

Alfred Randriamanampisoa, President of the FMF, attends the Carion National Technical Centre inauguration

Speech during the inauguration of the Carion National Technical Centre

Gelson Fernandes, FIFA's Director Member Associations Africa and Caribbean 

FIFA Forward: Madagascar technical centre inauguration – Opening ceremony

Video message of FIFA President, Gianni Infantino in Ampangabe, Madagascar

FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer Gelson Fernandes attends the FIFA Arena inauguration

FIFA Forward: Inauguration of the Carion National Technical Centre in Madagascar

Gianni Infantino visits ‘true football-loving country’ Bangladesh

“You can feel the incredible passion for the game the moment you arrive,” said the FIFA President in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka

“Invaluable learning opportunity”: Australia set for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ debut

Australia will make their first appearance with AFC qualifying historically strong in the age-group, and Junior Matildas coach Michael Cooper says playing in youth World Cups are “incredibly important” for development. 

Australia's U-17 Women's team celebrates qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup

Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ player signs up to volunteer in Brazil 2027

Among more than 161,000 applications for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ Volunteer Programme, one stands out for a special reason. Sol Bastos has already taken part in the competition twice before – as a player, representing Brazil. 

Sol Bastos

“U Shape The Game”: FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027™ brand calls on next generation to make its mark

FIFA has today unveiled the Official Brand for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027™, inviting the next generation of football stars to write their own history in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. 

FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027™ brand reveal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

FIFA President calls for unity and stresses commitment to serving FIFA Member Associations

FIFA President calls for unity at Council meeting and stresses commitment to serving FIFA Member Associations

The FIFA Council convened at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, for its first meeting since the resounding success of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino calling for unity.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during meeting no. 37 of the FIFA Council

General view during meeting no. 37 of the FIFA Council

Meeting no. 37 of the FIFA Council

Lesotho to make FIFA tournament bow with new wave of talent

Founded in 1932 and a FIFA member since 1964, the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) is yet to see one of its national teams take part in a FIFA tournament. That long wait will come to an end at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival™ this October.

Lesotho to make FIFA tournament bow with new wave of talent 

Brazil matches help fine-tune preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™

While nearly 30,000 fans were enjoying 2-2 draw between Brazil and Argentina in the friendly women’s international at Recife’s Arena de Pernambuco, staff from FIFA’s local subsidiary in Brazil, FIFA27, were focusing on events away from the pitch. 

Brazil players line up prior to the Women's International Friendly match between Brazil and Argentina at Beira-Rio Stadium 

FIFA Youth Olympic Futsal referees revealed

FIFA has revealed the 21 match officials who will take charge at the upcoming Men's and Women's FIFA Youth Olympic Futsal Tournaments in Dakar, Senegal.

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™ to begin with Round 1 match in Hangzhou, China PR

The second edition of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™, the groundbreaking competition that unites all six continental club champions, will kick off on Sunday, 25 October 2026 in Hangzhou, China PR. 

Julio Enciso on Paraguay’s FIFA-fuelled pathway: “tools to fulfil our dreams”

Julio Enciso is a leading figure in the Paraguay side that returned to the FIFA World Cup™ in 2026 after a 16-year absence. The forward explains how a comprehensive national-team pathway can shape a player's career and fuel a country's footballing success.

Julio Enciso #19 of Paraguay celebrates after the teams 1-0 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match 

Squad lists confirmed for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™

As anticipation continues to build ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™, the 24 participating teams have announced their official squads, which are brimming with promising prospects keen to make their mark at the global competition.

Football Unites the World captain's armband 

Julio Enciso celebrates following Paraguay's 2-2 draw in Bolivia in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying match

On the eve of World Mental Health Day, FIFA shares Social Media Protection Service findings relating to this year’s men’s global showpiece

FIFA’s continued investment in its Social Media Protection Service reflects the commitment to making the digital world a safer place for the players, coaches, other team representatives and match officials as well as the teams, involved in FIFA events.

FIFA shares Social Media Protection Service findings relating to this year’s FIFA World Cup

Gianni Infantino tells CAF Strategy Conference: “We must create opportunities for African talent to shine”

Addressing the CAF Strategy Conference on the island of Sal, Cabo Verde, the FIFA President thanked the continent’s FIFA Member Associations (MAs) for the work done every day in their countries and said it was now bearing fruit. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the CAF Strategy Conference

Brazil 2027 more than doubles FIFA Women’s World Cup™ volunteer application record

A record-breaking 161,000 people from 183 countries have applied to take part in the Volunteer Programme for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ – more than double the number of applications received for the previous edition. 

Jamaican football thriving thanks to FIFA Forward and Talent Development Scheme support

FIFA funding to support Jamaica’s national teams and the game-changing FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) have brought the Caribbean island significant success on the pitch across all age categories.

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