Dubai has been chosen as the host city for the first-ever FIFA World Football Awards in 2026, spotlighting the world’s best players, coaches, and teams. The announcement came during the World Sports Summit, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the emirate’s growing significance in global sports.
Infantino emphasized FIFA’s mission to promote football worldwide, supporting all 211 member nations through infrastructure grants and talent development programs. By 2027, FIFA plans to establish elite football academies in every member country, with Dubai potentially hosting one of the next flagship academies.
The awards aim not only to honor excellence on the pitch but also to strengthen football development in emerging regions, positioning Dubai as a key hub in the sport’s global expansion.
