FIFA: pilot phase of the "FIFA Series" (intercontinental friendlies) from 18 to 26/03/2024

"In line with the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027 and following on from the decision taken by the FIFA Council in December 2022, FIFA will implement the pilot phase of the FIFA Series during the upcoming men's international match calendar window in March 2024," announced the body on 26/06/2024.

The FIFA Series consists of a series of friendly matches between four national teams from different confederations playing in the same host country. Five countries - Algeria, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sri Lanka - will host the pilot phase from 18 to 26/03/2024, with all six confederations represented among the 20 participating teams (see below).

"The initiative will provide member associations with a more regular opportunity to face national teams from other continents, which will serve to unlock technical development opportunities previously unavailable to many of them," explained FIFA, regarding the initiative that will be officially launched in March 2026 and held every even-numbered year thereafter, during the international window in March.

"The FIFA Series…