Charles Esther
In May 2025, FIFA launched its own layer-1 blockchain infrastructure powered by Avalanche’s Subnet technology.
This new development marked a departure from FIFA’s earlier blockchain partner, Algorand, which had supported the original FIFA Collect NFT platform launched before the 2023 Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
With the new blockchain, FIFA aims to enhance performance, scalability and fan engagement across its digital products, including collectibles, games and token-based ecosystems.
FIFA is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, and has grown from just seven founding nations in 1904 to a global body with 211 member associations today — more than the United Nations.
Why Did FIFA Move from Algorand to Avalanche
FIFA’s decision to leave Algorand behind was rooted in the need for greater control, scalability and seamless ecosystem integration.
Full Control Over Infrastructure
When partnered with Algorand, FIFA depended on an external blockchain with limited influence over its development roadmap.
With its own dedicated blockchain, FIFA now controls every layer — from how NFTs are issued to how games and fans interact with the platform.
This control eliminates reliance on third-party protocols, allowing FIFA to innovate on its own terms.
Scalable for Global Fan Events
FIFA serves over 5 billion football fans around the world.
The 2022 World Cup alone attracted over 1.5 billion viewers for the final match.
To support that kind of global engagement, blockchain infrastructure must handle massive spikes in traffic.
Avalanche Subnets let FIFA scale independently while maintaining fast performance and custom governance during high-demand events like the World Cup.
Ethereum Compatibility for Developers and Users
Unlike Algorand, Avalanche Subnets are fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
This means FIFA’s blockchain supports popular development tools and allows fans to connect using well-known wallets like MetaMask and Trust Wallet.
Developers can also easily migrate existing smart contracts, reducing the learning curve and speeding up innovation.
Interoperability Across Platforms
Avalanche Subnets are designed for modularity and cross-chain functionality.
FIFA plans to expand beyond collectibles into interactive games and fan engagement tools that span multiple platforms.
This setup allows future products to connect easily with other Web3 ecosystems.
How Avalanche Subnets Power FIFA’s Blockchain
FIFA’s blockchain is structured as a dedicated Avalanche Subnet, giving it independence while benefiting from Avalanche’s underlying technology.
This architecture supports custom tokenomics, validator sets and DApp logic.
Because the platform is EVM-compatible, developers can build using Solidity and connect to DeFi, NFT marketplaces and other Ethereum-based tools.
Compared to general-purpose blockchains, this custom setup offers higher throughput, faster transaction speeds and tailored functionality ideal for sports-related applications.
As of June 2025, Algorand wallet systems have been phased out, and all FIFA blockchain activities now require EVM-compatible wallets.
First Products on FIFA’s Blockchain
With the new infrastructure in place, FIFA has already rolled out several key products built on its Avalanche Subnet.
FIFA Collect 2.0 – Digital Collectibles with Real-World Value
The FIFA Collect platform has fully migrated to the new blockchain.
Fans can now trade tournament highlights as NFTs with added benefits such as match tickets, exclusive content and limited airdrops for events like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the World Cup 2026.
Enhanced wallet compatibility and faster speeds also make the platform easier to use.
Web3 firm Modex is leading development for this upgraded experience.
FIFA Rivals – A Blockchain-Powered Mobile Game
In collaboration with Mythical Games and Bacon Games, FIFA is launching FIFA Rivals, an arcade-style football game built on blockchain.
Set to release globally in June 2025, FIFA Rivals will let players build teams, compete live, and earn digital cards — all existing as NFTs.
These items can be traded on the Mythos blockchain, giving players true ownership of in-game assets.
0xFútbol – A Token Ecosystem for Fans
FIFA’s blockchain is also enabling fan-powered ecosystems like 0xFútbol, which revolves around the FUTBOL token.
Launched in June 2025, this project lets fans engage in prediction games, participate in quests and earn rewards across multiple platforms.
It aims to give fans a deeper connection and a stake in the sport itself.
A New Era of Web3 Fan Engagement
FIFA’s own blockchain signals a major shift from passive viewership to interactive participation.
Easier Global Onboarding
Thanks to EVM compatibility, fans no longer need niche wallets to interact with FIFA products.
This change improves accessibility, especially in emerging markets, and lowers the barrier to entry for millions of users worldwide.
Ownership and Participation
With platforms like FIFA Collect and FIFA Rivals, fans can now own NFTs, earn rewards, and engage with content on a personal level.
Meanwhile, community-driven projects like 0xFútbol allow fans to influence and shape the football experience.
Tokenized Fandom at Scale
By leveraging blockchain, FIFA is creating new digital rights systems, loyalty programs and engagement incentives.
Fans might earn access to exclusive matchday perks, digital VIP passes or behind-the-scenes content based on their on-chain activity.
Conclusion
The FIFA blockchain, built on Avalanche’s Subnet technology, is not just a technical upgrade — it’s a vision for the future of football engagement.
From collectible NFTs to tokenized games and fan rewards, the blockchain allows FIFA to connect billions of fans in entirely new ways.
As the platform matures, expect even more interactive products and fan-driven experiences that redefine how football is consumed and celebrated around the world.
