FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup has seen a huge improvement compared to last year, according to FIFA specialists

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™ has seen a huge improvement in standards compared to one year ago and the level of goalkeeping has been particularly eye-catching, according to the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG)

FIFA Technical Study group presents at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Players Summit on October 19, 2026 in Rabat, Morocco

FIFA thanks Emilio García Silvero for more than eight years of dedication to global football

After more than eight years leading the Legal & Compliance Division, Emilio García Silvero has expressed his wish to embark on a new chapter in his career and return to Spain after fifteen years of working abroad in the service of international football.

FIFA Chief Legal & Compliance Officer Emilio Garcia Silvero

A day in the life of... Valentina Grossi

Behind the on-court action, a dedicated team works to ensure that the match officials have what they need throughout the competition. Among them is Accommodation Coordinator Valentina Grossi, who has worked in FIFA's accommodation department for two years.

Valentina Grossi - Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 - A day in the life of

Gianni Infantino meets head of state and launches FIFA Arena programme in Guyana

Gianni Infantino has met the President of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and officially launched FIFA Arena during a visit to the South American country.

FIFA President Visits Guyana

Gianni Infantino launches game-changing pitch project in Aruba

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has marked the start of the first artificial pitch being laid as part of an ambitious collaboration with the Aruban Football Federation (AVB) to reshape the football landscape on the Caribbean island.

FIFA President Visits Aruba

FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ introduces ground-breaking format designed to help players and coaches develop

The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ saw the introduction of a groundbreaking format designed specifically for a tournament where the main aim is to help players develop and participate, rather than simply win. 

Somalia players celebrate during the FIFA Under-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

China PR’s Ma Xiaoxu makes history again, supported by FIFA Elite Performance: Coach Mentorship Programme

Former international Ma Xiaoxu was hired to coach China PR’s U-17 team in January and took them to an unprecedented quarter-final appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™. 

Ma Xiaoxu, Head Coach of China PR

The project will improve infrastructure and encourage more female participation

FIFA's Boots for All initiative will see 300 pairs of boots distributed in the region

Three mini-pitches are also expected to follow

The AVB are keen to work with lower-ranked clubs to improve infrastructure 

Five pitches will be laid in 2027

Two pitches will be laid this year in Aruba

The project will reshape the football landscape in Aruba

FIFA and the AVB have spent the last four years planning to establish seven artificial surfaces

The project was supported by USD 5.3 million in FIFA Forward funding

FIFA Forward-funded futsal arena helps Costa Rica's young stars realise Olympic dream

Costa Rica's young women's futsal players are representing their country on the Olympic stage at the Youth Olympic Futsal Tournaments Dakar 2026, having prepared for the historic competition at a facility built with the support of FIFA Forward Programme.

Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games: Day 3

Gianni Infantino inaugurates FIFA Arena pitches and renovated facilities as Anguilla embraces range of FIFA programmes

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has inaugurated the first FIFA Arena pitches in Anguilla to give further impetus to the Caribbean island nation’s flourishing youth development strategy.

This excellent facility will be the centre of all football activities and provide the necessary infrastructure, opportunities and pathways for young girls and boys who want to play the sport,” Mr Infantino said

Costa Rica coaching staff during the Women's FIFA Youth Olympic Futsal Tournament 2026

The spirit of FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ encapsulated by São Tomé and Príncipe

As the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ wrapped up with Spain claiming the inaugural title with a 3-0 victory over Czechia, huge achievements were being made concurrently by teams further away from the spotlight.

São Tomé and Príncipe coach Lígia Santos 

São Tomé and Príncipe coach Ligia Santos

Thank you, Volunteers | FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™

Inspiration and legacy on display at FIFA Women in Football Leadership programme in Rabat

FIFA Women in Football Leadership event hosted in Rabat during FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™, with over 50 participants from all over the world included graduates and new participants. 

FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup Women in Football Leadership Summit 

FIFA Women in Football Leadership programme in Rabat

Cruzeiro EC bound for Miami after historic CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina success

Cruzeiro EC of Brazil won the CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina and qualified for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™. Tickets for the final phase – which will be played at Nu Stadium in Miami from 26 to 31 January 2027 – are now on sale.

Cruzeiro EC celebrates after winning  the CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina and qualifying for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™

Spain crowned inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ champions

The first FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ came to a spectacular close on Friday, 30 October, as Spain defeated Czechia 3-0 in the final at Baku Crystal Hall in the Azerbaijani capital. 

Spain lift FIFA Under-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 trophy 

Gianni Infantino hails impact of inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ as “the best we have done in FIFA in the last 120 years”, after Spain won the final against Czechia in Baku.

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

Stoichkov hails football’s impact on youth at Football for Schools Festival in Azerbaijan

Football’s unique power to inspire and empower children of all ages was also on display at the spectacular Baku Olympic Stadium in the Azerbaijani capital.

Day 5 - FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

Future in focus at Players Summit and Coaches & Technical Exchange in Rabat

Some of today’s best young talents are facing off at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™, but it was the players’ tomorrows that were the main focus at the FIFA Players Summit and Coaches & Technical Exchange in Rabat, Morocco.

FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ newcomers writing football’s next chapter

For many of the young players walking into the Athletes’ Village at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™, this is not simply a tournament. It is their first encounter with the world.

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

Players and coaches gathered in Rabat

The futures of those involved in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup was the focus of the Players summit

FIFA legend April Heinrichs was among those sharing her experience 

Team analysts were also catered for at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Players Summit

The tournament sits alongside the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS)

The goal is for players to continue their development

The tournament kicked off on 17 October and runs to 7 November

Coaches of 24 participating teams heard how FIFA can support them

Growing the women’s game (October 2026)

Inside FIFA reviews women's football development activity during October 2026 with news from five confederations, a significant boost for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™, and more. 

FIFA Women’s Football Campaign, Tavua, Fiji

FIFA Women’s Football Campaign, Tavua, Fiji.

FIFA Women’s Football Campaign in Fiji 

The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ in figures: an unprecedented celebration of youth football

Almost 3,000 young players from across all six continental confederations gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™. A total of 932 matches were played with 4,505 goals scored. Here, the facts and figures or it.

General view during the open ceremony during the FIFA Under-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Players Summit

Guam at FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™: ‘We can compete with everybody else in the world’

For Guam’s U-15 squad, the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ in Baku, Azerbaijan has simply been a dream come true. 

Guam players form a huddle

Football opens up the world at 15 for Azerbaijan 2026™ participants

For many of the young players at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™, the adventure began long before kick-off – right at the airport.

FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

‘We don’t have to choose’: Referees explain how FIFA helps them combine motherhood with their careers

FIFA has enhanced its support for international female match officials by offering opportunities to balance motherhood with their career, makig it possible to be a FIFA World Cup referee and a mother.

Myriam Marcotte poses for a portrait 

Referee Myriam Marcotte during a training session

Myriam Marcotte: "The opportunity that we have to stay involved is very precious"

Lara Lee

Referees explain how FIFA helps them combine motherhood with their careers

Where the players honour players: Special awards at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™

The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a tournament of many firsts: the inaugural edition of a global celebration of youth football, 189 participating teams, and 78 FIFA Member Associations making their FIFA World Cup debut. 

FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 Awards 

FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger watches a game at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

Arsène Wenger: FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ is just how football should be

The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™, bringing together players from 189 countries in a one-week event, is an example of what football should be, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger has said.

FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger speaks at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

Final-day action at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™ to take place at Mohammed VI Football Complex

Following an update to the match schedule, the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat will now host the bronze final and the trophy decider at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™

FIFA U17 Women's World Cup - venue change

Behind the scenes at unprecedented FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ in Azerbaijan

During a milestone year of footballing expansion and innovation, and as the game becomes increasingly global, the scope of the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ still stands out. The statistics are staggering and unprecedented.

FIFA Under-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 – Day 3

FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ creates memorable environment for over 2,500 players

As the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ rolls on from qualification into the tournament stage and most attention is on the pitch, some highly trained eyes are keeping a careful watch and offering support to the players off the field.

Day 4 - FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™ opens the door to referees from all over the world

For the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™ in Morocco, FIFA has brought together 54 match officials, all female, from 36 different Member Associations in a culturally diverse team.

Referees at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2026 

Referees of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2026 pose for a photo

IFAB advisory panels continue their focus on tempo disruption

The IFAB’s Football and Technical Advisory Panels (FAP-TAP), which bring together football stakeholders from across the world, held an online meeting chaired by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström today to discuss recent measures.

Adidas match ball

FIFA publishes Disciplinary and Ethics Report 2025/2026

FIFA today published the seventh annual report on the activities of its independent Disciplinary Committee, Appeal Committee and Ethics Committee, covering the period between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026. 

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