FIFA is about to launch a brand new sequence of pleasant matches known as the “FIFA Series,” the place groups from totally different confederations will compete in a single location through the worldwide window.
The pilot undertaking will kick off in 4 nations subsequent month, because the world soccer’s governing physique introduced on Monday.
While there aren’t any trophies or prize cash concerned, the Series goals to learn nationwide groups that usually have restricted alternatives to play in opposition to groups from different confederations. FIFA will cowl the journey prices for collaborating groups.
The FIFA Series could have a comfortable launch from March 18-26 in 4 areas: Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka. Four groups shall be primarily based in every location and play two matches every.
“Some countries have never played teams outside their confederations,” stated Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA’s Regional Member Associations Director for Europe. “They can acquire aggressive expertise taking part in groups outdoors their very own confederation, taking part in groups with a totally totally different fashion of play.
“Currently, we have 20 teams for the pilot edition. For the 2026 edition, we hope to have many more.”
Saudi Arabia will host two teams, though the hosts themselves is not going to be concerned within the matches, that are designed to learn groups which have by no means certified for the World Cup.
“The next World Cup (in 2026) will have 48 teams, which means you may have many member associations who have never played in a World Cup,” stated Kenny Jean-Marie, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer. “They may arrive in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada with no international experience outside their continent.”
Mammadov stated they’re at present engaged on fixing tv broadcast offers for the sequence, and they’ll additionally look to stream matches on the FIFA+ platform.
He added there have been no disagreements with confederations concerning scheduling these tournaments as they have been being performed through the worldwide break. The subsequent version in 2026 might see greater groups trying to participate.
“We’ve started discussions with high-ranked teams, and they hope to play and even host the next edition in March 2026. There is interest to host,” he stated.
With FIFA solely facilitating and never organizing the tournaments, Mammadov stated they have been inviting member associations with their sponsors on the bottom to sponsor the Series.
“But if companies approach to sponsor the FIFA Series, FIFA will not close the door,” he added.
FIFA Series: March 2024
Algeria
Teams: Algeria, Bolivia, Andorra, South Africa
Azerbaijan
Teams: Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Tanzania, Bulgaria
Sri Lanka
Teams: Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Bhutan, Central African Republic
Saudi Arabia
Group A: Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guyana, Cambodia
Group B: Guinea, Vanuatu, Bermuda, Brunei
Source: www.dailysabah.com