Unveiling FIFA’s Blockchain: A Game-Changer for Football Fans

What is the FIFA Blockchain?

In May 2025, FIFA, the world governing body for football, took a significant leap by launching its dedicated layer-1 blockchain that utilizes Avalanche’s Subnet technology. This move marks a departure from its previous collaboration with Algorand, which powered FIFA’s initial ventures into Web3. One of the key outcomes of that collaboration was the FIFA Collect NFT marketplace, rolled out ahead of the 2023 Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

This new blockchain is poised to serve as the backbone for FIFA’s blockchain-based offerings. It aims to deliver enhanced performance, scalability, and user experience for applications such as digital collectibles and interactive gaming.

Did you know? FIFA was founded on May 21, 1904, in Paris. It now includes 211 member associations, more than the United Nations, and is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland.

What’s FIFA’s Web3 Strategy?

FIFA’s pivot from Algorand to building its own blockchain revolves around several strategic objectives—control, scalability, and ecosystem integration.

Control Over Infrastructure

Previously, FIFA had to rely on Algorand’s protocol to manage its digital collectibles. While the partnership offered energy-efficient, low-cost transactions, FIFA’s operations remained somewhat isolated. By establishing its blockchain, FIFA can exert complete control over the protocol layer, including how assets are issued and how users interact with products. This sovereignty frees FIFA from relying on a third-party’s roadmap, enabling faster, more adaptive decision-making.

Scalability for Global Fan Events

With an estimated global fanbase of over 5 billion, scalability is critical for FIFA. The 2022 World Cup, for instance, boasted over 1.5 billion viewers for its final match alone. Effective blockchain infrastructure will need to accommodate significant spikes in user activity, especially during major events. Avalanche’s Subnet architecture allows FIFA to scale independently from the broader Avalanche network, providing tailored throughput and governance.

Better Developer and User Compatibility

Unlike Algorand, Avalanche Subnets are EVM-compatible, making it easier for developers to port smart contracts and for users to utilize standard wallets such as MetaMask and Trust Wallet. This significantly reduces onboarding friction, opening the door for broader engagement from the Web3 community.

Interoperability with Other Chains

Avalanche’s Subnet technology is positioned as a modular solution that still maintains cross-chain interoperability. This directly aligns with FIFA’s ambitions to expand beyond just collectibles into Web3 gaming and fan participation platforms that span multiple ecosystems.

Did You Know? Avalanche Subnets, like those FIFA is developing, offer high scalability, with the potential for tailored throughput well above the main C-Chain’s capacity of approximately 4,500 transactions per second.

More on the FIFA Crypto Platform — Blockchain in Sports

FIFA’s new blockchain will operate as a dedicated Subnet, allowing for independent functionality while still leveraging Avalanche’s consensus model. This means FIFA can implement unique tokenomics, validator sets, and smart contract logic. EVM compatibility opens avenues for decentralized applications (DApps) to be built using Solidity, allowing FIFA to integrate with decentralized finance and NFT ecosystems flexibly.

This structure provides FIFA with an unrivaled combination of scalability, performance, and flexibility tailored for large-scale sports applications. Users will now be required to connect through EVM-compatible wallets, as support for the earlier Algorand-based wallet systems is being discontinued.

Blockchain for Football Fans

Now that FIFA’s dedicated blockchain is operational, fans can expect the rollout of innovative products and engaging experiences—from enhanced digital collectibles to blockchain-driven games and token-based fan platforms.

FIFA Digital Collectibles

The FIFA Collect platform, official for digital collectibles, fully transitioned from Algorand to the new Avalanche blockchain by June 2025. Fans can now trade highlights from FIFA tournaments as NFTs, many of which come with added benefits—like tickets to future events or exclusive airdrops tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The platform has also enhanced user experience with better wallet integration and expedited transaction speeds.

A Mobile Game with Real Digital Ownership

FIFA is diving into the blockchain gaming space with a new mobile title called FIFA Rivals, developed in collaboration with Mythical Games and Bacon Games. Set for global release in June 2025 to coincide with the Club World Cup, FIFA Rivals combines arcade-style action with fantasy gameplay. Players will customize teams, engage in live matches, and collect digital player cards, all represented as NFTs. This means fans genuinely own what they acquire and can use their assets outside the game.

A Token to Unite Global Fans

FIFA’s blockchain also lays the groundwork for a new ecosystem powered by the FUTBOL token. Launched in June 2025, this community-driven project aims to foster closer fan engagement through digital ownership and participatory activities. Fans can utilize the token for prediction markets, tournament quests, and earn rewards for their engagement—providing a financial stake and voice in the sport.

Web3 Fan Engagement with FIFA

FIFA’s transition to its EVM-compatible blockchain is a landmark moment for global fan engagement.

Global Wallet Onboarding

The move to EVM compatibility allows fans to use popular wallets like MetaMask and WalletConnect. This transition simplifies access, particularly in emerging markets, by eliminating the need for proprietary wallets, facilitating easier participation in digital collectibles, games, and other blockchain experiences.

From Spectators to Participants

This new blockchain ecosystem empowers fans to transition from passive viewership to active participation. Through platforms like FIFA Collect and games like FIFA Rivals, they can own digital assets and earn rewards, enriching their overall experience.

Tokenized Fandom at Scale

FIFA’s blockchain could transform the landscape of digital rights and loyalty programs. Fans may gain access to exclusive content and matchday experiences tied to their digital engagement, paving the way for a more interconnected and participatory future in football.

This step into blockchain technology showcases FIFA’s commitment to fostering deeper connections with its fanbase, making it part of a broader shift toward a more engaging sporting experience globally.