FIFA has officially announced the launch of a brand-new international tournament titled “FIFA Series 2026,” set to begin in March and April next year during the designated international windows. The competition will feature both men’s and women’s national teams, marking one of FIFA’s most ambitious attempts to widen the global reach of the sport.
According to FIFA, the primary objective of the tournament is to accelerate the development of emerging and lesser-known football nations. Many such countries rarely get opportunities to compete against teams outside their confederation, limiting exposure and experience. The FIFA Series aims to bridge that gap by offering competitive friendly matches without increasing the burden on the international calendar.
The women’s edition will take place in Brazil, Thailand and Ivory Coast, offering varied climates, styles of play and competitive environments. Meanwhile, the men’s matches will be held across a broader list of host countries: Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the new tournament as “a crucial step towards expanding football’s universality.” He emphasised that the Series would create fresh pathways for players, coaches and supporters while promoting cultural diversity within the sport.
He noted:
“The 2026 edition will enrich both men’s and women’s national teams and provide an opportunity for local communities to engage with world football in ways they never have before.”
FIFA confirmed that teams from different confederations will play each other in officially recognised friendly matches. This format ensures that nations gain valuable match experience against unfamiliar opposition, a rarity in the current structure of international football.
The concept is not entirely new: in March 2024, FIFA conducted a pilot version of the Series, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The success of that project encouraged FIFA to expand the tournament further, adding more member associations, more host venues and—for the first time ever—women’s national teams.
FIFA believes that the expanded format will increase the number of meaningful international matches and support the long-term development of global football. For smaller nations, the chance to face stronger teams in a competitive but low-pressure environment could be transformative, helping raise performance standards and visibility.
Further details—including tournament structure, match schedules and participating nations—will be announced in early 2026. But what is already clear is that the FIFA Series is poised to become a major addition to the international football ecosystem, potentially reshaping preparation cycles and competitive opportunities for years to come.
