FIFA has announced a partnership with President Trump's Board of Peace to invest $72.5 million in building soccer facilities in Gaza. The initiative includes a national stadium, a training academy, and multiple pitches aimed at rebuilding communities through sport. The announcement was made at the board's inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed the partnership during the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., emphasizing soccer's role in fostering hope and unity. "Football is the world's universal language," Infantino said, adding that it is "about hope, joy, happiness, coming together, and uniting the world." He stressed the need to rebuild not just infrastructure but also "people, emotion, hope and trust" in the Gaza Strip, which has been affected by conflict.
The planned investments total $72.5 million and encompass a national football stadium with capacity for 20,000 to 25,000 spectators, estimated at $50 million; a FIFA Academy costing $15 million; five full-sized pitches at $1 million each, totaling $5 million; and 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches at $50,000 per unit, amounting to $2.5 million. Construction of the mini-pitches is slated for 3-6 months, while the stadium is projected to take 18-36 months.
President Trump highlighted the involvement of global soccer stars to support the project and noted that funds would be raised from international leaders and institutions. A promotional video presented at the meeting depicted the facilities rising from rubble, describing the effort as turning "football into a bridge toward peace, dignity and hope."
The Board of Peace, comprising U.S. president's allies, was established following a ceasefire negotiated in October after two years of war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023. FIFA aims to create a complete football ecosystem, including youth and regional leagues, to promote community cohesion.