By Belinda Nketia
The FIFA Council on Thursday 19th March 2026 approved a record USD 14 billion budget for the 2027–2030 cycle and renewed its call for football to promote peace, following an online meeting held in Zurich.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino told members the organisation would continue to use the global reach of the FIFA World Cup to bring people together, despite ongoing conflicts around the world. He also said preparations for the next tournament remain on track, with 48 teams set to take part.
The Council endorsed FIFA’s 2025 Annual Report, and confirmed that revenue from upcoming competitions will be reinvested into the game. Funding under the FIFA Forward programme is expected to rise to USD 2.7 billion, which significantly increases support for member associations compared to pre-2016 levels.
Decisions were also taken on the future of women’s football, with hosts for the 2031 and 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be appointed at an Extraordinary Congress before the end of 2026. The 2031 tournament is set to expand to 48 teams.
On governance matters, the Council reviewed a submission by the Palestinian Football Association concerning Israeli teams in contested territories.
The meeting also approved new safeguarding policies and rules aimed at increasing female representation on team benches in women’s competitions.
Additional decisions included the approval of a new safeguarding policy to prevent harassment and abuse in football, the introduction of the FIFA ASEAN Cup set to launch in 2026, and adjustments to the international calendar. These include new dates for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2026 and confirmation that the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
