Growing the women’s game (September 2026)

Inside FIFA looks at women's football development activity across various FIFA’s programmes during September 2026 with updates from various continents, landmark moments from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2027™, and more. 

Yei Joint Stars FC players celebrate in the opening round of the South Sudan Women's Premier League, 20 September 2026. 

FIFA Foundation and UNHCR bring young refugees closer to FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026

102 boys and girls from refugee and host communities are taking part in the tournament’s youth programme, accompanying the players in the pre-match ceremony. 

England v Brazil: FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

Brazil hold firm atop women’s and men’s FIFA Futsal World Rankings

Brazil continue to set the pace in both the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Ranking and the FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking. The September 2026 edition sees no changes to either top ten, but there is movement further down both tables

Brazil hold firm at top of women’s and men’s FIFA Futsal World Rankings

FIFA Foundation and UNHCR make mark at Poland 2026

The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup™ is presented by Aspetar

The first-ever FIFA ASEAN Cup™ is presented by Aspetar, reaffirming its leadership in sports medicine and its dedication to improving player welfare, health and performance across Asia and the global football community.

Aspetar partner - FIFA ASEAN Cup

100 staff members from 38 functional areas and FIFA suppliers took part in technical visits

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ will take place from 24 June to 25 July 2027

Each stadium will host at least seven matches

32 teams will compete in 64 matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™

FIFA has visited the stadiums regularly since 2024

FIFA has concluded the third round of inspections at the eight stadiums that will host matches at the 2027  FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™

FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 stadiums’ third inspection round completed

FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ stadiums’ third inspection round completed

More than 100 staff members from 38 functional areas and FIFA suppliers took part in technical visits at the eight stadiums that will host matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™. 

FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 stadiums’ third inspection round 

The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup is another on the growing list of international events staged in Saudi Arabia, including the upcoming AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup 2034™

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup Group A match between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

The FIFA President acknowledged regional football leadership who collaborated to kick-off the 27th Arabian Cup – and the first to be staged in Jeddah

The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup tournament for eight Gulf Football Federation teams kicked off on Wednesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Football in Saudi Arabia takes centre stage this week as it hosts the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup tournament in Jeddah, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino was there to meet with Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) officials

Gianni Infantino celebrates Saudi National Day as Arabian Gulf Cup opens

Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb: Poland 2026 a crucial step on road to Brazil 

At the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™, 68 match officials from 43 Member Associations are working not just at this flagship youth event, but in preparation for the biggest stage of all: the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027™.

Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb, FIFA's Head of Women's Refereeing 

Referees Myriam Marcotte, Lizzet Garcia, Aranza Quero and Charly Straub

FIFA Arena mini-pitch in West Bank

Football creates a space for children as two new FIFA Arenas open in the West Bank

Match officials appointed for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™

The FIFA Referees Committee has announced the match officials who will take charge of fixtures at this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™, which will be contested from 19 November to 13 December.

Assistant referee with flag

FIFA Talent Academy milestone event highlights benefits to beautiful game in Guam

Guam was devastated by Typhoon Mawar in 2023, but the Guam Football Association (GFA) has since reestablished football infrastructure to enable the beautiful game to flourish in the western Pacific island nation.

FIFA Talent Academy milestone event in Guam

Football will provide children and their communities in the FIFA Member Association Palestine region with a much-needed space to play, compete and spend time together thanks to two new FIFA Arena mini-pitches in Marah Rabah and Qusin.

FIFA Arena mini-pitches in Marah Rabah and Qusin have now opened for local community use

More than 150 children are set to participate in a five-day tournament, with the facilities providing a safe and accessible place to play

The FIFA Arenas, developed with the Palestine Football Association and financially supported by the Swiss government, will be formally inaugurated on 25 September

The new pitches will host the Unite for Peace: Kids’ Cup, bringing together 14 local Palestinian teams and up to 160 children

FIFA Arena mini-pitches in Marah Rabah and Qusin have now opened for local community use and more than 150 children are set to participate in a five-day tournament

Developed by FIFA in collaboration with the Palestine Football Association and co-financed by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the facilities are now open to the communities

The Unite for Peace: Kids’ Cup will feature group matches followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final, alongside additional football activities for children and other members of the community

The two new FIFA Arenas are intended first and foremost as practical community facilities and places where children can play football safely

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027 to fuel women’s football’s upward trajectory

The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™ will provide a major boost to the women’s game as it provides “an opportunity to showcase” the world’s top talent and “incentivises investment”, FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis has said.

FIFA Women's Cup 2027™ Final to be held at Inter Miami CF Stadium

The GFA National Training Centre is giving young players access to elite coaching

Girls have benefitted from being able to access top level coaching at the FIFA Talent Academy in Guam

Boys and girls are benefitting from top-level coaching at the FIFA Talent Academy in Guam

The FIFA Talent Academy in Guam will help young players achieve their potential 

The GFA is one of 10 FIFA Talent Academies with an active FIFA Talent Coach within the Asian Football Confederation

An image of the FIFA Talent Academy badge 

Children had the chance to compete against their peers at FIFA Talent Academy milestone event in Guam

A new U-13 pre-academy programme was implemented in August 

Elite young talent has the chance to develop at the FIFA Talent Academy in Guam

An exhibition game took place at the FIFA Talent Academy milestone event in Guam

FIFA is committed to giving all 211 Member Associations opportunities to perform on the global stage 

The FIFA TDS aims to establish 100 FIFA Talent Academies globally 

The GFA has built partnerships with schools 

The FIFA Talent Academy milestone event in Guam 

Launched in 2024, the FIFA Talent Academy in Guam has made enormous strides in a short space of time

Trials took place for teams at U-15 and U-13 for both boys and girls 

Over 200 children took part in trials at FIFA Talent Academy milestone event in Guam

IFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis and FIFA Legend Isabella Echeverri at Nu Stadium 

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™ to be played at home of Inter Miami CF

A quartet of the leading women’s clubs on the planet are set to convene in the US city of Miami for the decisive stage of next year’s edition of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™. The bronze final and the tournament decider will be hosted at Nu Stadium.

 The FIFA Women's Cup 2027™ original trophy at Nu Stadium on September 20, 2026 

FIFA support “instrumental” in fuelling football and futsal growth in Philippines

FIFA Forward has committed USD 5.8 million in funding while FIFA Football for Schools, FIFA Talent Development Scheme and FIFA Arena have all been implemented in the Southeast Asian country

Philippines celebrate qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027

Historic FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ to unite the world in Azerbaijan

The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ is set to get under way on 22 October 2026 in Azerbaijan, offering FIFA Member Associations of all sizes and with varying football traditions the opportunity to participate in a competition on the global stage.

FIFA’s Football for Schools Programme director Franck Castillo visit to Paraguay

FIFA Director Football for Schools Franck Castillo visits Paraguay

Liberia transforms grassroots football with FIFA support

Youth football is flourishing in Liberia thanks to several projects which have been supported by FIFA. Stadium renovations have helped make the sport more accessible, and the LFA has been able to organise grassroots football leagues for young people.

FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Liberia 

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup sees new regulations to boost female representation in coaching

The new regulations require every team to include at least one female head coach or assistant coach in FIFA women’s tournaments, as well as ensuring that at least one of the medical staff be female and at least two officials seated on the team bench.

 Ana Aguilar, Head Coach of Costa Rica, looks on before the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Group E match

 Camilla Orlando, Head Coach of Brazil, reacts during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Round of 16 match between Brazil and United States

FIFA Forward seeds development in Timor-Leste, one of football’s newest nations

The Football Federation of Timor-Leste (FFTL) was founded in 2002, the same year the Southeast Asian country achieved independence, and the organisation joined FIFA just three years later - a clear sign of Timor-Leste’s enthusiasm for football.

Timor Leste - FIFA Forward 

Tahiti sets sights on new ambitions with FIFA support

FIFA Talent Academy launched in Tahiti in November 2025 – first of its kind in Oceania

The FIFA Talent Academy Tahiti Milestone Event

FIFA has made “significant contribution” to football growth in the Solomon Islands

Football is flourishing in the in the Solomon Islands, with the women’s game one of the main growth areas, and FIFA’s support has been a key factor in that, according to the President of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), Donald Marahare.

Solomon Islands women's national team players celebrate

FIFA Foundation Community Leaders Volunteer programme under way in Poland

Three inspirational community leaders who use football to create opportunities and address social challenges will join the FIFA Foundation at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ as part of its Community Leaders initiative.

FIFA Foundation Community Leaders FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

Refurbishment of the artificial turf pitch at Havana’s La Polar Stadium complex

Photos: Refurbishment of the artificial turf pitch at Havana’s La Polar Stadium complex

Adjudicatory chamber of FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee sanctions former football officials

Following proceedings before the independent FIFA Ethics Commitee, the adjudicatory chamber of said body has sanctioned four individuals as a result of their conduct whilst serving in football 

FIFA Logo Zurich

Sustainability milestone as BC Place Vancouver’s hybrid pitch recycled

BC Place Vancouver had hybrid pitch installed for FIFA World Cup 2026™. Pitch was cut and rolled and transported to Bos Sod Farm Inc. following the final match at the venue. Various pitch components will be recycled over the next 12 months

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup helps Giovana Canali follow in Marta’s footsteps

Giovana Canali is representing Brazil at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™

Gio Canali of Brazil celebrates the victory after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Group B match between Brazil and Canada 

A milestone for football in Liechtenstein thanks to FIFA Forward support

The Liechtenstein Football Association (LFV) officially opened the Rheinwiese sports complex and the new LFV Campus on 4 September, three years after the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2023.

FIFA support “instrumental” in shaping game’s growth in Kuwait

FIFA support has underpinned sustainable development and provided opportunities to play football and futsal across society in Kuwait where strategic planning married to FIFA funding has also ensured a bright future for the game.

Mohammad Daham (2-L) of Kuwait celebrates with his teammates

Nubia Medina: Talent and opportunity hand in hand at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 

Nubia Medina is in Poland for the second FIFA youth Women’s World Cup of her fledgling career with the 16-year-old joining the Costa Rican Football Federation’s national team pathway through FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme. 

 Nubia Medina of Costa Rica poses for a portrait during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

Gianni Infantino discusses ongoing football development initiatives with Kuwait Football Association President

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has welcomed Kuwait Football Association (KFA) President His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Yousef Al-Sabah to the Home of FIFA in Zürich, Switzerland

FIFA President Gianni Infantino meets Kuwait Football Association President Sheikh Ahmad Yousuf Al-Sabah during a visit at Home of FIFA on September 10, 2026 in Zurich

FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomes Iraqi counterpart to Home of FIFA

Less than three months after enjoying a historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ match together in Philadelphia, USA, FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed Iraq Football Association (IFA) President Younis Mahmoud. 

FIFA President meets Iraq Football Association 

 Nubia Medina: when talent and opportunities go hand in hand

FIFA publishes updated documentation and guidance on player eligibility and change of association

FIFA has published a new edition of the Commentary on the Rules Governing Eligibility to Play for Representative Teams and an updated Guide to Submitting a Request for Eligibility or a Change of Association

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