Gianni Infantino (foto: Getty Images)
FIFA has unveiled the expanded FIFA Series 2026, a new men’s and women’s national-team competition scheduled for the March–April international window.
FIFA, led by president Gianni Infantino, has announced the creation of a new international tournament that will debut in the March–April 2026 window. The competition, titled FIFA Series 2026, will include both men’s and women’s national teams and aims to increase the number of competitive cross-continental fixtures.
After a small pilot version in 2024, FIFA is now rolling out a fully expanded edition. The new format will involve more member associations, more host nations, and—for the first time—women’s national teams. According to FIFA, strong feedback from the 2024 trial encouraged the expansion.
The initiative aligns with FIFA’s strategic goals for 2023–2027: creating more competitive balance, improving technical development and increasing interaction between confederations. Many national teams—especially those without frequent opportunities to face opponents from other continents—are expected to benefit.
“The FIFA Series aims to provide new opportunities for players, coaches and fans while promoting the universality and diversity of football through competitive matches,” Infantino said. “The 2026 edition will benefit both women’s and men’s teams, strengthening the game by bringing together countries from around the world and giving local communities global exposure.”
FIFA has already confirmed the initial list of host nations, with more expected to join in the coming months.
For the men’s FIFA Series, matches will be played in:
Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan.
For the women’s FIFA Series, the first hosts will be:
Brazil, Ivory Coast and Thailand, with additional details expected in early 2026.
The competition will feature national teams from different confederations in a friendly-style but competitive format, without adding extra fixtures to the international calendar. FIFA argues that the benefits extend beyond the pitch: exposure to new tactical styles, commercial opportunities for emerging football nations, strengthened cultural ties and valuable experience in an environment similar to top-tier international tournaments.
Approved by the FIFA Council in December 2022, the FIFA Series also provides developing football nations with organisational experience and a platform to accelerate on-field progress.