FIFA Series 2026: 48 Countries Set for Global Friendly Tournament

Football’s global governing body, FIFA, has released the official fixture schedule for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, a major international friendly competition that will feature 48 national teams from around the world.

The tournament is scheduled to take place during the March and April 2026 international windows and represents one of FIFA’s most ambitious efforts to create more competitive opportunities outside traditional tournaments.

Unlike conventional friendlies, the FIFA Series introduces a structured format designed to encourage meaningful competition. The expanded edition will include both men’s and women’s teams, reflecting FIFA’s broader commitment to growing the game across all levels.

Tournament structure and global participation

The competition will be organised into 12 groups, each consisting of four national teams. Nine groups will feature men’s teams, while three will focus on women’s football.

Participating countries will travel across multiple continents, with host nations including Australia, Brazil, Thailand, Switzerland, and Rwanda, which will host two separate groups. Other hosts include Azerbaijan, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Uzbekistan.

Each group will operate independently, allowing host associations to select their preferred match format. Some groups will use a semi-final and final structure, while others will feature a round-robin series of fixtures. Regardless of format, every group will produce a winner.

To ensure decisive outcomes, any match that ends in a draw will go directly to penalties, with no extra time played.

Opportunity for emerging football nations

One of the core objectives of the FIFA Series is to give lesser-known national teams the chance to compete internationally against opponents from different confederations. These opportunities are often limited, particularly for developing football nations that do not regularly qualify for major tournaments.

By organising the series across multiple regions, FIFA hopes to strengthen international exposure and improve competitive balance across global football.

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Matches will be broadcast worldwide, giving fans access to new international matchups while also allowing teams to test strategies, develop players, and build experience ahead of major competitions.

Part of FIFA’s broader global development strategy

The FIFA Series builds on the success of its pilot edition held in 2024 and aligns with FIFA’s long-term plan to promote football development globally.

According to FIFA, the initiative is intended to strengthen both the sporting and cultural connections between nations, while helping emerging teams gain valuable international visibility.

The tournament also serves as preparation for larger competitions, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will bring together the world’s best teams on football’s biggest stage.

With a diverse mix of countries, competitive fixtures, and global visibility, the FIFA Series 2026 is expected to play an important role in shaping the future of international football beyond traditional tournaments.