In a groundbreaking move that bridges the worlds of global sport and decentralized technology, FIFA has officially announced the launch of its own FIFA Blockchain — an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible platform that marks a new era for fan engagement, digital collectibles, and Web3 innovation in football.
From Algorand to the FIFA Blockchain
FIFA had previously partnered with Algorand to host its FIFA Collect platform — a digital collectibles marketplace that allowed fans to own pieces of World Cup history as NFTs. However, the organization is now transitioning its digital ecosystem to a proprietary blockchain infrastructure, with the migration scheduled to begin on or after May 20, 2025.
The new FIFA Blockchain supports the EVM standard, making it compatible with widely used wallets like MetaMask and other platforms that support WalletConnect. This move aligns FIFA’s digital strategy with the broader Web3 ecosystem, enhancing interoperability and expanding its potential reach.
Key Features of the FIFA Blockchain
1. EVM Compatibility
By supporting EVM, FIFA ensures developers and users can seamlessly interact with smart contracts and dApps across the Ethereum ecosystem.
2. Improved Performance & Scalability
FIFA Blockchain promises faster transaction speeds and more robust scalability than its predecessor on Algorand, enabling smoother experiences for millions of global fans.
3. Future-Ready Infrastructure
FIFA has emphasized that this blockchain will support a broader range of applications in the future — from collectibles to gaming, and possibly ticketing and digital ID systems for fans.
4. User Wallet Support
After migration, Pera Wallet and Defly Wallet (Algorand-based) will no longer be supported. Users will need to migrate to EVM-compatible wallets to access their assets.
5. Automatic Migration Window
Users must re-import their collectibles into the FIFA Collect platform before the migration deadline to ensure they are included in the automatic transfer. Manual migration afterward will involve added verification steps.
Why This Matters for the Football Industry
This move reflects a larger trend of sports organizations investing in Web3 to deepen fan engagement and open new revenue streams. With its massive global audience, FIFA’s transition signals to other football leagues, clubs, and governing bodies that blockchain is not just a novelty — it’s infrastructure for the future.
Possible implications include:
Tokenized match tickets with anti-scalping and verifiable ownership.
Fan loyalty tokens that reward engagement and offer exclusive access.
Smart contract-based merchandising and memorabilia distribution.
Decentralized gaming experiences and fantasy football tied to real-world performance.
What It Means for the Blockchain Ecosystem
FIFA entering the blockchain space with its own network is a huge endorsement of decentralized technology. It also highlights the growing interest in custom blockchains tailored to specific industries — a trend seen with Starbucks, Nike, and now one of the biggest names in sports.
By choosing EVM compatibility, FIFA is not isolating itself in a siloed network but instead building bridges into the existing Web3 infrastructure. This can spur developer interest, cross-chain integrations, and user onboarding from traditional fans into the blockchain space.
Final Thoughts
FIFA’s blockchain launch is more than just a tech upgrade — it’s a strategic evolution. As football continues to be the world’s most-watched sport, this move sets the stage for how decentralized technology can transform entertainment, community, and ownership on a global scale.
The next few months will be crucial as FIFA migrates its users and establishes a new digital foundation. But one thing is clear: football and blockchain are now on the same team — and they’re playing for the future.
