Cabo Verde’s dream close to becoming reality as first FIFA World Cup™ beckons

The expansion of the FIFA World Cup™ to 48 teams has allowed more teams to dream of qualifying for the tournament and, for the remote island nation of Cabo Verde, what once would have been fantasy is close to becoming reality. 

Cape Verde players during the national anthem 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino talks to Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney

FIFA President Gianni Infantino meets Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney

“Friendship and unity through sports”: Prime Minister of Canada praises FIFA President’s ethos ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney has applauded FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s efforts to unite the world through football, as the North American country prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 26™ with Mexico and the United States.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney with a replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino smiles next to Canadian Soccer Association President Peter Augruso and CF Montréal President Joey Saputoduring during the international friendly between Canada and Australia 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney arrive for the international friendly between Canada and Australia

FIFA President Gianni Infantino interacts with fans at the international friendly between Canada and Australia 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a photo in the Australia dressing room following the international friendly between Canada and Australia at the Saputo Stadium in Montreal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaking to players in the Australia dressing room following the international friendly between Canada and Australia at the Saputo Stadium in Montreal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney speaking to players in the Canada dressing room following the international friendly between Canada and Australia at the Saputo Stadium in Montreal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaking to players in the Canada dressing room following the international friendly between Canada and Australia at the Saputo Stadium in Montreal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is presented with a jersey by Canadian Soccer Association President Peter Augruso and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney touring Parliament Hill 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents a FIFA World Cup 26™ match ticket to Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents a pennant to Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents a jersey to Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino meets Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney 

The FIFA Foundation and UNHCR make 25 children's dreams come true in Chile

25 children become flag bearers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. A joint initiative by the FIFA Foundation and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. FIFA consolidates its commitment to using football as a platform to empower and bring about social change.

Spain v Brazil: Group C - FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025

FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ quarter-final refereeing teams announced 

FIFA has announced the refereeing teams for the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™. The Football Video Support (FVS) will be used in the competition.

Match oficial line up before a FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 match

Gianni Infantino says European Football Clubs and FIFA “equipped” to meet game’s challenges together

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has told the 32nd European Football Clubs (EFC) General Assembly that together the two organisations “are all equipped” to rise to the challenges facing the global game.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the 32nd European Football Clubs (EFC) General Assembly 

Cuba’s next generation look forward to bright future

Chile 2025 marked Cuba’s second appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. While they were not able to get past the group stage, their first ever point at the tournament is a big step in the right direction. 

Yordan Castaner, Didier Reinoso and Marcos Campos of Cuba applaud the fans following the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025

FIFA Women in Football Leadership Programme

FIFA kicks off new edition of Women in Football Leadership programme

Female leaders from all corners of the football world were on hand at FIFA headquarters last week to kick-off the latest FIFA Women in Football Leadership programme.

Players of Wuhan Jiangda WFC celebrate

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ kicks off as football moves into new era

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani

FIFA President Gianni Infantino receives Kosovo’s Presidential Medal

YourSide officially launches, providing support and guidance to those affected by abuse in football

YourSide, an independent global unit that offers impartial expert guidance and trauma-informed support to victims and survivors in the football ecosystem, has begun providing services as from 8 October 2025.

YourSide officially launches to strengthen the combat against abuse in football

President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani speaks

FIFA President Gianni Infantino talks to Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) President Agim Ademi 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino receives a gift from Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) President Agim Ademi 

Children wait for the arrival of FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Pristina, Kosovo

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) President Agim Ademi

FIFA President Gianni Infantino after receiving Kosovo’s Presidential Medal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is honoured by President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been awarded one of Kosovo’s highest honours, the Presidential Medal, in recognition of his contribution to the development of football globally and his strong support for Kosovo’s football community.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks after receiving Kosovo’s Presidential Medal

FIFA welcomes European Parliament resolution on sport

FIFA welcomes the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on the role of European Union (EU) policies in strengthening the European Sport Model, following a process led by rapporteur Bogdan Zdrojewski, a Member of the European Parliament.

FIFA flag

Women’s club football has taken a step into an even brighter future with the first match of the inaugural edition of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ between China PR’s Wuhan Jiangda WFC and New Zealand’s Auckland United FC.

Wuhan Jiangda WFC celebrate

Team Wuhan Jiangda celebrate after win the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One match between Wuhan Jiangda and Auckland United at Wuhan Sports Center

#3 Jess Philpot of Auckland United FC reacts during the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One match between Wuhan Jiangda and Auckland United at Wuhan Sports Center

Team Wuhan Jiangda celebrate during the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One match between Wuhan Jiangda and Auckland United at Wuhan Sports Center

Wuhan Jiangda celebrate scoring against Auckland United in the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One

Ma Jun of Wuhan Jiangda WFC scores a goal during the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One match between Wuhan Jiangda and Auckland United at Wuhan Sports Center

Wang Shuang of Wuhan Jiangda WFC with kids during the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One match between Wuhan Jiangda and Auckland United at Wuhan Sports Center

Wuhan Jiangda's huddle before facing Auckland United in the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One

Captions shake hands before the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One match between Wuhan Jiangda and Auckland United at Wuhan Sports Center

Fans seen during the FIFA Women's Champions Cup Round One match between Wuhan Jiangda and Auckland United at Wuhan Sports Center

Wuhan Jiangda WFC strike late to sink Auckland United FC in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ opener

Gianni Infantino thanks world’s “most diverse community” as FIFA Volunteer Community reaches two million members

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed the FIFA Volunteer Community as “the most diverse community in the world” after its membership doubled to two million thanks to the record number of applications received for the FIFA World Cup 26™.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanks world’s “most diverse community” as FIFA Volunteer Community reaches two million members

Disciplinary sanctions concerning FIFA World Cup™ qualifying

FIFA has published the sanctions imposed by its Disciplinary Committee for incidents that took place in September 2025 during the preliminary competition for the FIFA World Cup 26™.

FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers badge

Volunteer Programme for FIFA World Cup 26™ eclipses all records

A record-breaking number of applicants have applied for volunteer roles at the FIFA World Cup 26™. With three days to go until the application window closes, the tally of applicants stands in excess of one million.

High-flying Solomon Islands reach new heights with FIFA’s support

Women’s football in the Solomon Islands has reached multiple milestones in recent years backed by FIFA's support and the Melanesian nation recently becoming Oceanian champions for the first time underscoring their recent development. 

OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025

Refereeing teams announced for FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ round of 16

FIFA has released details of the refereeing teams that will take charge of the round-of-16 matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™. Football Video Support system is being used at competition.

Referee João Pinheiro gestures after review on the Football Video Support during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025

Successful group stage at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025

As the slogan says, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ is "creating legends”. 

Chile fans show their support during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Group A match

FIFA has invested over USD 1 billion in African football development since 2016, Gianni Infantino tells CAF members

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, DR Congo, announced that over USD 1 billion has been invested in African football through the FIFA Forward Programme since it was started in 2016.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the 2025 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly

Ticket sales for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025™ now open

Following a presale period, all fans now have the chance to purchase tickets and witness the world’s top U-17 women’s national teams vie for glory.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a group photo with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and African football legends

General view during the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly

CAF Vice-President Bestine Kazadi Ditabala, Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa, CAF Vice-Presidents Feizal Sidat and Pierre-Alain Mounguengui

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Judith Suminwa and FIFA Vice-President and CAF President Patrice Motsepe

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attending the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly

Sierra Leone chase World Cup history as FIFA President meets African nation’s leadership

As Sierra Leone near the conclusion of the most encouraging FIFA World Cup™ qualification campaign in their history, Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara has met FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino meets with Sierra Leone Football Association President Babadi Kamara

FIFA Member Associations in focus (September 2025)

We take a look at the extraordinary work that FIFA member associations have done in recent weeks to promote, strengthen, and make football truly global.

FIFA Arena Inauguration - Malta

Twenty-five leaders representing all six confederations were in attendance 

The expansive schedule for the week included sessions on a variety of leadership skills

Female leaders from all corners of the football world were on hand to kick-off the latest FIFA Women in Football Leadership programme

The most recent edition commenced with a workshop at the FIFA Museum

FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer Dame Sarai Bareman speaks

Panel discussion with female FIFA Council Members Debbie Hewitt, Kanya Keomany, Maria Sol Muñoz, Pascale Van Damme and Johanna Wood 

Puerto Rican Football Federation opens new administrative offices thanks to FIFA Forward Programme

The Puerto Rican Football Federation (FPF) is continuing to make strides with the roll-out of its own administrative offices, funded by the FIFA Forward Programme.  

José Rodriguez and Sergio Palacios, from the FIFA Regional Office in Panama, Iván Rivera, president of Puerto Rican Football Federation, and Mario Monterrosa (CONCACAF) during the inauguration of the new FPF offices (Left to Right)

FIFA publishes Anti-Doping Report for period between January 2024 and July 2025

FIFA today published the latest edition of its Anti-Doping Report, which relates to the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 July 2025. Almost 2,000 doping control tests were performed across FIFA tournaments and FIFA World Cup 26™ preliminary competitions.

FIFA backs landmark preparations for OFC Professional League launch

In preparation for the historic launch of the OFC Professional League, the first-ever professional football competition across Oceania, FIFA and the OFC jointly organised a two-day series of workshops for club leaders and decision makers. 

FIFA and OFC hosted club leaders in Nadi, Fiji, to prepare for the inaugural OFC Professional League

FIFA Integrity Task Force brings all six confederations on board

FIFA’s Integrity Task Force convened online on Monday, 29 September to further its mission to protect world football from match manipulation and other integrity threats. The meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders.

FIFA pen

FIFA celebrates launch of Official Match Ball of FIFA World Cup 26™: TRIONDA

The countdown to the game-changing FIFA World Cup 26™ has reached its latest significant milestone with the launch of the adidas TRIONDA, the Official Match Ball of the competition.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Match Ball Unveiled

FIFA Council calls for peace and takes key decisions on football governance

The FIFA Council met at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on Thursday, 2 October 2025 and adopted key decisions on a variety of topics, including football governance and competitions. 

General view of FIFA Council Meeting No.33

Exclusive Visa presale for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ begins

Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ are now on sale, with Visa cardholders being offered an exclusive presale opportunity – to get ahead of the crowd and book their tickets from 15:00 Qatar time (GMT+3) on 2 October 2025.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks on during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents a pennant to Swiss Football Association President Peter Knäbel 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents a pennant to European Club Association Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi 

FIFA Council members during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

FIFA President Gianni Infantino during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

European Club Association Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger and Swiss Football Association President Peter Knäbel during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino greets FIFA Council Member George Koumas during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

FIFA Vice-President and CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez and European Club Association Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

General view during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

Swiss Football Association President Peter Knäbel during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

FIFA Council Members Ahmed Yahya, Bernd Neuendorf and Member Kanya Keomany during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

FIFA Council Members Ramón Jesurún, Sonia Fulford and Hany Abo Rida during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

FIFA Council Member Ignacio Alonso during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

Meeting no. 33 of the FIFA Council

FIFA World Cup 26™ mascots make video game debut as playable characters in FIFA® Heroes

FIFA, the international governing body of football, in partnership with Solace has today unveiled FIFA Heroes: an arcade fast 5-a-side football title with fantasy flair set across the globe. 

FIFA Council Meeting No.33

FIFA Council takes key decisions on football governance

Football Video Support moving forwards and gaining global momentum

Football Video Support (FVS), designed as an accessible and cost-effective video replay system for key refereeing calls, is rapidly gaining traction across the world game.

Afghan women’s refugee team inaugural squad announced ahead of historic friendly competition

Following the three multi-day talent identification camps held on two continents, a historic and inspiring opportunity now beckons for the 23 players selected to represent the Afghan women’s refugee team.

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