FIFA has officially unveiled the hosts and group compositions for the anticipated FIFA Series 2026™, marking an important step in the ongoing expansion of the tournament for both men’s and women’s national teams. This year, the tournament sees an increase in participation from 32 to 48 national teams, divided into 12 groups of four teams each. The international match window is set for March and April, and nearly a quarter of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations will be represented, highlighting a significant increase in global football engagement.
A total of eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series, with Rwanda stepping in to host two groups. The tournament features nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, showcasing representation from all six FIFA confederations and emphasizing the tournament’s inclusive nature.
Men’s group hosts include Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan, while the women’s matches will occur in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand. Notable matchups include New Zealand competing against Chile and Finland, and the Solomon Islands facing Bulgaria and the hosts, Indonesia.
In addition, all matches from the FIFA Series 2026 will be globally broadcasted, providing worldwide exposure for the national teams and enhancing access for fans across various regions. This initiative not only promotes competitive football but also reflects FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity by featuring teams spanning a wide range of performance levels—from established names like Australia to developing nations such as the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Five men’s national teams, including Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand, and Uzbekistan, are slated to appear in FIFA World Cup 2026™, further underscoring the significance of this initiative amidst wider competitive contexts.
The FIFA Series 2026 also focuses on fostering football development off the pitch, providing hosting and participating Member Associations with practical experiences in areas such as event delivery and competition organization, which enhances overall operational capabilities.
Aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game from 2023 to 2027, the FIFA Series 2026 offers national teams unique cross-confederation competition opportunities while promoting technical growth and organizational development without adding fixtures to the international match calendar.
as the match schedules for the events will be announced in the near future, this initiative promises to elevate the sport on a global scale, showcasing emerging talent and competitive spirit across nations. The anticipation surrounding the FIFA Series 2026 is a testament to the unity and passion fostered by football worldwide, reaffirming its role as a bridge between nations and cultures.