Mile­stones 2021

FIFA published its first ever comprehensive analysis of the elite women’s football landscape in June, aiming to help guide key decisions shaping the future development and professionalisation of women’s football.

VISA became the first-ever FIFA Women’s Football Partner in December, under the newly launched commercial partnership structure.

After over two years of preparations, FIFA launched the FIFA Training Centre, an open resource for coaches, technical directors and other football experts of all levels and age-groups to explore cutting-edge training sessions, analyses and related video content designed to enhance their impact on the game.

With the first edition taking place in Yerevan, Armenia in May, with a second in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic in August, the FIFA Foundation Campus Programme gives girls, boys and young leaders from under-privileged backgrounds an immersive sport and educational experience.

In October, Portugal were crowned champions of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021 in Lithuania. Lithuania played extraordinary hosts to a tournament that gave great hope amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A key test event for FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar hosted the first-ever FIFA Arab Cup 2021 in November and December. The event, bringing together the top talent from across the Arab world, was eventually won by Algeria.

FIFA’s Member Association Division moved into their new headquarters at Hôtel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde in Paris, giving FIFA a presence in one of the world’s most global cities.