TLDR;
- FIFA is launching its own custom Layer 1 blockchain built on the Avalanche network to enhance digital fan engagement.
- The new blockchain will support FIFA Collect, migrating NFTs from Algorand and Polygon for faster, cheaper transactions.
- Avalanche’s high-speed, scalable, and EVM-compatible architecture enables seamless wallet integration and global scalability.
- This move follows FIFA’s April announcement and signals a broader strategy to embrace Web3 and tokenized fan experiences.
FIFA, the world’s football governing body, has officially unveiled plans to launch its own blockchain, built on the Avalanche network. This marks a significant evolution in FIFA’s Web3 strategy, setting the stage for enhanced fan engagement and a new generation of digital assets for the sport’s global audience.
With a fanbase exceeding five billion people worldwide, FIFA’s move to create a proprietary blockchain signals a major step forward in how football fans will interact with the sport in the digital age. The FIFA Blockchain will be a custom Layer 1 (L1) network designed to deliver digital collectibles and immersive fan experiences at massive scale. Notably, FIFA aims to simplify operations, optimize user experience, and deliver interoperable digital products that can handle the immense traffic generated during events like the FIFA World Cup. This strategic move promises to provide a more seamless and secure digital ecosystem than previously possible.
🚀 Big News: FIFA Collect Has Migrated to the New FIFA Blockchain! 🌍⚽️
FIFA Collect is now live on the newly launched FIFA Blockchain.
This move enhances our ability to deliver unique digital collectibles and immersive fan experiences, powered by the speed, scalability,… pic.twitter.com/5bXJxRvBKU
— FIFA Collect (@FIFACollect) May 21, 2025
FIFA’s Road to Blockchain
This latest announcement builds on a milestone revealed in April 2025, when FIFA first disclosed its intention to launch a blockchain compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). At that time, the organization laid out its vision to develop a purpose-built digital infrastructure tailored for the sport’s global fanbase.
The April statement also included hints from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who suggested the possibility of creating a digital token designed to facilitate direct interaction between FIFA and fans worldwide. This early roadmap highlighted FIFA’s commitment to integrating blockchain technology as a foundational component of its future digital engagement strategy.
Why Avalanche?
FIFA’s choice to build on Avalanche follows an extensive evaluation of blockchain platforms, focusing on scalability, speed, security, and user accessibility. Avalanche offers high throughput and sub-second transaction finality, enabling the network to support FIFA’s demands even during peak traffic moments.
As per the announcement, Avalanche’s architecture allows the creation of sovereign Layer 1 blockchains that operate independently but remain interoperable with the wider Avalanche ecosystem and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This ensures compatibility with popular wallets and decentralized applications, making it easier for fans to manage and trade digital assets.
The FIFA Collect Migration
The rollout of FIFA Blockchain will commence with the migration of FIFA Collect, FIFA’s official digital collectibles platform. Currently hosted on Algorand and Polygon, FIFA Collect allows fans to buy, sell, and trade digital assets commemorating iconic moments in football.
By transitioning FIFA Collect onto the Avalanche-powered blockchain, FIFA aims to improve transaction speed, reduce fees, and enhance security and interoperability. This move will phase out support for Algorand and Polygon, consolidating FIFA’s digital collectibles on a single, high-performance network.
“This move enhances our ability to deliver unique digital collectibles and immersive fan experiences, powered by the speed, scalability, and EVM compatibility.” Francesco Abbate, CEO of Modex noted. “That means seamless integration with popular wallets, easier access, and a future-proof foundation for growth.”
The Future of Football and Blockchain
Beyond digital collectibles, FIFA’s blockchain ambitions include exploring tokenized fan engagement, exclusive content, and verified authenticity for digital assets. This aligns with FIFA’s broader mission to grow the sport globally while embracing emerging technologies that foster deeper fan connections.
Avalanche’s involvement not only showcases its capabilities as a scalable, enterprise-ready blockchain platform but also highlights the growing interest among traditional institutions in building custom blockchain solutions tailored to their unique needs.
