FIFA Foundation: the Twinning Project (support for prisoners) to be launched in 5 new countries in 2026

Launched in the United Kingdom in 2018 before being implemented in South Africa, the United States and Italy in 2024, the Twinning Project, "an innovative initiative supported by the FIFA Foundation that uses football to improve the lives of incarcerated people," will be extended to "at least" five additional countries - Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Singapore and Uruguay - in 2026, announced the international federation on 09/01/2026.

The Twinning Project, which has been supported financially by the FIFA Foundation since 2024, consists of connecting football clubs with correctional institutions "to improve inmates’ health and prospects." Prisoners take part in "football-based programmes to improve physical and mental health," while also being offered "access to education and qualifications designed to enhance their prospects following release."

The new partner clubs are Melbourne City (Australia), Bahia (Brazil), Auckland FC (New Zealand), Young Lions (Singapore) and Montevideo City Torque (Uruguay).

"Football provides a powerful platform for building discipline, teamwork and a…