Growing the women’s game (January 2026)

Inside FIFA reviews some of the recent development work in diverse regions of the world during January 2026 including activity across multiple regions and more landmark FIFA tournaments for women’s football. 

Women's Football Campaign, Potosi, Bolivia

FIFA strengthens global anti-doping readiness with DCO accreditation course

As preparations intensify for the upcoming FIFA World Cups, FIFA’s Anti-Doping Unit recently hosted its Doping Control Officer (DCO) Accreditation Course at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. 

FIFA Anti-Doping Programme 2026

FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ office opens in Rio de Janeiro

One day after the spectacular unveiling of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ official brand identity on Brazil’s iconic Copacabana Beach, the vital work to organise the 10th edition of the tournament marked another milestone.

Match officials appointed for semi-finals of inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™

With the final stage of the maiden FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ almost upon us, the FIFA Referees Committee has appointed 12 match officials to oversee the semi-finals.

France v Jamaica: Group F - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA Talent Academy Milestone Event in Anguilla a 'dream come true'

Anguilla is the smallest Caribbean nation to hold a Milestone Event

FIFA Talent Academy Milestone Event in Anguilla

Squads announced ahead of landmark FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ final stage 

As excitement continues to build ahead of the home straight of the maiden FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™, the four participating teams have named their squads.

Global stars come together as the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ arrives in London

London has officially become the epicentre of the women’s club football world, as the continental champions gathered in the English capital ahead of the final phase of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™.

FIFA Women's Champions Cup Media Day

FIFA President says FIFA Women’s World 2027™ in Brazil will be “unforgettable party”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has promised that the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Brazil will be a glorious celebration of the game in a country which “lives and breathes football”.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ Tournament Launch

Brazil’s President Lula says FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ will be historic as he meets FIFA President

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has visited the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to discuss preparations the country’s preparations for hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ - the first to be held in South America. 

FIFA President meets with Brazil President

Ronan O’Laoire, Coordinator, Programme on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Economic Crime, UNODC, speaks during the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the UNODC, in Miami

Liam Rich, FIFA Senior Integrity Manager, Judicial Bodies, speaks during the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Miami

Americo Espallargas, FIFA Head of Disciplinary, Judicial Bodies, addresses attendees at the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Miami

Participants take part in one of the sessions during the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Miami

Attendees applaud after a presentation during the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Miami

One of the attendees alongside Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, during the visit and tour of the FIFA Americas office during the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the UNODC

Karl Dhont, Match-Fixing Expert, Experienced Former UEFA Disciplinary Inspector, alongside other speakers, addresses the attendees during the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the UNODC, in Miami

Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, presents the certificate of attendence a Shefika Diamond, one of the attendees at the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the UNODC, in Miami

Group photo of attendees at the second edition of the Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Miami

Attendees during the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Miami

Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, speaks during the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme, developed in collaboration with the UNODC, in Miami

FIFA and UNODC join forces in Miami to tackle match manipulation

FIFA hosted a pivotal gathering for the protection of world football in Miami, Florida as the second edition of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme (FGIP) continues its mission to safeguard the game. 

FIFA Global Integrity Programme - Standard Module

Visa announced as global sponsor of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™

Today, Visa, a global leader in digital payments and FIFA partner since 2007, has been confirmed as a global sponsor of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™. 

FIFA Global Integrity Programme strengthens fight against corruption

FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027ª Tournament Launch

Brazil goes epic as powerful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ brand is unveiled 

Brazil goes epic as powerful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ brand is unveiled in Rio de Janeiro

FIFA officially launched the journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ with an engaging, culture  driven celebration in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, blending football, music, art and Brazilian flair at one of the world’s most iconic locations.

260121_FWWC_LAUNCH_DIGITAL_HOST_CITIES-25

FIFA Arena boost in Morocco as agreement signed for 30 mini-pitches

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signed an agreement with the Royal Moroccan Football Association, the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco, and OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition.

FIFA Signing Ceremony with FRMF, Goverment of Morocco and OPC Group 

Record-breaking prize money to be awarded to inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ winners

The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ is already redefining women’s club football and is set to continue that trend by introducing record-breaking prize money that firmly establishes the tournament among the premier competitions in the global game. 

FIFA Women's Champions Cup Trophy Reveal

Elite Concacaf and CONMEBOL referees undergo meticulous preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026™

As FIFA looks to ensure its match officials reach peak performance for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer, the first in a series of intensive refereeing seminars was held in Rio de Janeiro. 

Concacaf and CONMEBOL referees undergo meticulous preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Seminar For Prospective FWC 2026 Referees from CONMEBOL and CONCACAF

Elite Concacaf and CONMEBOL referees prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Davos Kick-off for FIFA World Cup 2026

Gianni Infantino tells World Economic Forum that "world stands still” for the FIFA World Cup™

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has told the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, about the impact of the FIFA World Cup™, saying that the world stands still for the tournament which brings joy and happiness to people everywhere.

Kynisca named Presenting Partner of inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™

Pioneering global women’s sport organisation Kynisca has today been announced as the Presenting Partner of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™, bringing together two forces striving to grow the women’s game.   

FIFA Womens Champions Cup Trophy Shoot

FIFA Director of Refereeing, Massimo Busacca, addresses the seminar 

Officials worked with the Olaria U-20 team at the refereeing seminar in Rio de Janeiro

Referee Raphael Claus during a practical session at the refereeing seminar in Rio de Janeiro

Director of FIFA Refereeing Massimo Busacca supervised the sessions at the refereeing seminar in Rio de Janeiro

Officials preparing with same level of professionalism as players ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Referees went through practical and theoretical preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Referees remain the authority on the field of play, despite technological advances

Referee Tori Penso during one of the on-field sessions

On-field simulations of match situations were involved in the week long programme

The week consisted of morning on-field physical sessions and afternoon theoretical sessions

FIFA Director of Refereeing Massimo Busacca conducted the opening seminar 

24 top referees from 16 different CONMEBOL and Concacaf countries were in attendance

Refereeing seminar in Rio de Janeiro

FIFA PASS application process now open

The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS, for FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders is now live. The voluntary, opt-in process allows ticket holders travelling to the United States to access prioritised visa interview appointments.

Football fans sit in the stands 

IFAB Annual Business Meeting supports further measures to improve match flow and reduce disruptions

At its Annual Business Meeting (ABM), held in London and chaired by Noel Mooney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, The IFAB focused on various measures aimed at continuing to improve match flow and reduce tempo disruption.

Hungarian Football Federation celebrates 125th anniversary 

Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) was founded on 19 January 1901

125th Anniversary Of The Hungarian Football Federation Celebrations

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Trophy unveiled in London

AFCON finalists Morocco and Senegal steal limelight in January 2026 FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking

The recently concluded CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has made a significant impact on the January 2026 edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, with both finalists, perhaps unsurprisingly, making significant strides.

Ismaila Sarr of Senegal and Abdessmad Ezzalzouli of Morocco battle for the ball during the AFCON final

FIFA President meets Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Louly, Mauritania's Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Public Service

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that Mauritania was an “excellent collaborator” in the mission to develop football after meeting the country’s Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Public Service, Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Louly.

FIFA President meeting with Islamic Republic of Mauritania Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Civil Service Mohamed Abdallahi Louly 

FIFA President and South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture sign Host Agreement for FIFA Regional Development Office in Johannesburg

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie have signed a Host Agreement for the FIFA Regional Development Office (RDO) in Johannesburg during a ceremony in Rabat, Morocco. 

FIFA Signing Ceremony with South African Football Association and South Africa Government

Historic moment for Oceania football as the OFC Professional League kicks off in Auckland, New Zealand

The OFC ’s mission to provide increased and enhanced opportunities for professional club football in the region took a historic step forward on Saturday when the first matches of the inaugural OFC Professional League were played in Auckland, New Zealand. 

FIFA Secretary General's visit to Auckland

FIFA announces line-up for expanded FIFA Series 2026™

FIFA has confirmed the full line-up of hosts and the composition of the groups for the FIFA Series 2026™, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the initiative for men’s and women’s national teams.

FIFA Series 2026

Dazzling FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Trophy unveiled in London

The four clubs to have qualified for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ final phase now know exactly what they will be playing for, following the unveiling today of the glittering new trophy that will be lifted by the winners.

FIFA Series 2026™ will feature 48 national teams

Nine men’s groups and three women’s groups will be represented at the FIFA Series 2026™

Expanded FIFA Series 2026™ line-ups have been confirmed 

All six FIFA confederations will be represented FIFA Series 2026™

Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026™ events will be announced in due course

Nearly a quarter of the global football community will take part in the FIFA Series 2026™

FIFA has confirmed the composition of the groups for the FIFA Series 2026™ 

All  FIFA Series 2026™ matches will be broadcast globally

Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series of events

The FIFA Series 2026™ women’s contests will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand 

Final stage of inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ to reach fans worldwide as top-tier broadcasters and platforms unite behind new era for women’s club football

FIFA has today confirmed a landmark global broadcast offering for the final stage of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™, ensuring that the historic first edition of the tournament will be available to fans around the world.

Over 500 million ticket requests submitted as FIFA World Cup 2026™ Random Selection Draw application period concludes

The global excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has reached unprecedented levels, with more than half a billion ticket requests submitted during the Random Selection Draw ticket sales phase.

African Union and FIFA strengthen collaboration at Burundi meeting

FIFA participated in the 5th African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sport (STC-YCS-V) in Bujumbura, Burundi last month which marked a significant step forward for the development of football across the continent. 

FIFA Football for Schools - Uganda

FIFA select Stats Perform as first official worldwide betting data and betting streaming rights distributor, including exclusive World Cup 2026™ rights

FIFA today announced that it has selected sports AI and data pioneer Stats Perform as its first-ever official betting data and streaming rights distributor.

Spain v Netherlands: Quarter Final - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Twinning Project to expand further and transform more lives through football thanks to FIFA Foundation’s ongoing support

The Twinning Project – an innovative initiative supported by the FIFA Foundation that uses football to improve the lives of incarcerated people – is set to continue its global expansion by debuting in at least five countries this year.

Image from the Twinning Project graduation ceremony of the second cohort of Kaizer Chiefs FC participants, held on 10 December 2025 in Johannesburg.

FIFA and TikTok reach first-of-its-kind Preferred Platform agreement to enhance coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026™

The most inclusive event in football history has today become even more accessible, with an innovative partnership between FIFA and TikTok set to bring millions of fans even closer to the action and excitement at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

FIFA Member Associations in focus (December 2025)

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 October 2025 to promote, strengthen and make football truly global. 

Around the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025

Mexico kicks off National Championships, backed by FIFA Forward

In 2025, Mexico hosted its first-ever Under-9 and Under-11 National Championships in Puebla

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