Global support for FIFA and Gianni Infantino remains unwavering | OneFootball

Not every football association is born with a silver spoon in its mouth. And yet, a wave of optimism is currently sweeping through football worldwide: impressive projects dedicated to youth development are springing up across the globe. One thing is clear: when smaller nations are finally heard and given the right support, they exceed expectations and challenge the established order.

Dust swirls over the construction site in the Azerbaijani town of Hövsan, on the outskirts of Baku. Yet the outlines of the future are already clearly visible. A vast football complex featuring ten new pitches is taking shape. As FIFA President Gianni Infantino walks around the site with Rovshan Najaf, President of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), the discussion is not about abstract sports policy. They are talking about concrete realities. These facilities are the cornerstone of preparations for the very first FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival. Here, the foundations for the next generation are quite literally being poured.

The scene shifts to Riga. The Latvian capital is also in the midst of construction and inaugurations. Five years after his last visit, Infantino stands in front of the new headquarters of the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) – a state-of-the-art building in the city centre, funded by the FIFA Forward Programme. For LFF President Vadims Ļašenko, it is far more than just an office building: “This is a crucial milestone for our football family,” he explains with undisguised pride. “We finally have a home where our team enjoys coming to work. It is a dream come true.” The subsequent discussions with Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs immediately turned to the next major project: a fully fledged, multifunctional national stadium for the Baltic state.

Another example of this renewed optimism could be seen in Mongolia this week. In a country where winter temperatures plunge to -45 degrees Celsius, playing football all year round is a logistical feat. But those dreams are now becoming reality. During a visit to the capital, Ulaanbaatar, a FIFA delegation led by President Gianni Infantino not only inspected a weather-resistant “Air Dome” that allows children to train year-round, but also inaugurated a brand-new FIFA Arena mini-pitch at a local school.

“FIFA’s assistance, commitment and logistical support have helped Mongolian football, our country and our young people. I am delighted. In other words, wherever the ball rolls, FIFA’s policies reach too,” said AFC Vice-President Ganbaatar Gabi Amgalanbaatar.

For the thousands of schoolchildren who also received football boots, it was a day of pure celebration. “The children and young people were thrilled. They welcomed Gianni like one of the world’s biggest stars. Everyone wanted an autograph,” reports Anandbazar Tsogt-Ochir, President of the Mongolian Football Federation (MFF), with pride. He deeply appreciates the fact that the FIFA President came in person to inaugurate the pitch: “Development must reach people where they need it. Gianni’s policy of building football’s foundations in precisely these places is absolutely right.”

All these projects illustrate a trend that is too often overlooked on the world stage. For smaller member associations, FIFA’s development funding is the lifeblood that keeps the football machine running. Whether it is investment in Mongolia or meticulous stadium inspections in Tashkent – where Uzbekistan and Sports Minister Adham Ikramov are actively preparing for the 2027 U-20 World Cup – these associations have long regarded FIFA as their most reliable source of support. Another telling example is the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, taking place in Baku from 22 to 30 October this year. This innovative new tournament aims to bring together around 190 FIFA member associations for an unprecedented celebration of youth football development.

“From our perspective, it is extremely important to recognise that football truly is for everyone, everywhere in the world,” Infantino stressed during his visit to Latvia. “There are big countries and small countries, rich countries and poor countries. For us at FIFA, it is important to give countries like Latvia the resources and opportunities they need to be part of the global football community.”

When young Uzbek, Azerbaijani or Latvian teams face teams from South America or Africa in future tournaments, it will be “not just about football, but also about the human dimension,” Infantino explained. The infrastructure built with FIFA’s help is intended to create spaces “where communities meet, where parents come together and where social life flourishes.”

This practical approach on the ground is bearing fruit, as demonstrated by the overwhelming support of local leaders. AFFA President Rovshan Najaf perfectly sums up the position of the Eurasian associations: “Gianni Infantino has done an enormous amount for football development and continues to promote the game around the world. He has our full support for his future initiatives.” LFF President Vadims Ļašenko leaves no doubt about his federation’s loyalty either: “Gianni Infantino is moving so many things forward that it would be impossible to list them all in a minute. He can always count on our support.”

The message from emerging football nations is unequivocal: over the past decade, FIFA’s continued support and the backing of its president have enabled them not only to keep the sport afloat, but to develop it in tangible ways. With these solid foundations in place, they now want to keep building together. Pitch by pitch.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 ABDELMAJID BZIOUAT - AFP or licensors