FIFA Series to expand global football access - FIFA official

The newly introduced FIFA Series tourney is targeting greater inclusivity in international football by creating structured opportunities for national teams that rarely face each other on the global stage.

Speaking on Citizen TV's Sporty Monday show, on Monday, FIFA Member Association Senior Development Manager for CECAFA and UNAF Abigail Lemma said the initiative is designed to bridge long standing gaps in international match exposure.

"So the FIFA Series at its core is a series of mini tournaments happening across the world to give opportunity to teams who normally would never get a chance to play against each other," she said.

The competition, first staged in 2024, is increasingly being positioned as a long term development platform, particularly for nations across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean that often struggle to secure competitive fixtures during international windows.

"It's to give teams a chance to play meaningful matches. Many teams would either play only their neighbours or not really play friendly matches. We saw that this gap needed to be filled," Lemma explained.

Beyond creating fixtures, FIFA is also supporting participation to ensure wider inclusion while exposing teams to different playing styles and football cultures across continents.

Looking ahead, Lemma indicated that the governing body is considering expanding the scale of the initiative as interest continues to grow globally. "We can make it 100. Let's see in the next two years," she said.

Future hosting of the Series will be determined through an open process, with member associations invited to express interest based on infrastructure, logistics and government backing.

As the tournament gains traction, Lemma expressed optimism about its progress and the role of continued collaboration in strengthening its impact across regions.