Economic returns predicted for biennial FIFA World Cup

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biennial FIFA World Cup

Two independent studies have suggested that FIFA’s economic situation would be dramatically improved if both men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups switch to a biennial format.

The findings, from Nielsen and OpenEconomics, were presented in front of 207 of a possible 210 of FIFA’s member associations (MAs). The presentation took place at the FIFA Global Summit and was staged as the ‘latest step in the future of football’.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino:

“We have been advised by independent experts that a switch to a biennial FIFA World Cup would provide a combined additional USD 4.4 billion in revenue from the first four-year cycle, with these funds being distributed across our 211 member associations,” he said.

“This additional revenue would allow solidarity funding to move from the current level of USD 6 million per cycle to up to potentially USD 25 million on average per FIFA member association in the first four-year cycle, with the actual distribution being subject to FIFA’s governance principles.”

Based on the findings, the following economic boosts would occur:

  • A USD 3.5 billion (4.9 billion AUD) solidarity fund would be established with revenues to be distributed to all MAs, to inject an average of up to USD 16 million (22 million AUD) to every MA, while also retaining a capacity to mitigate against any financial shortfalls suffered by any MA due to the international match calendar changes.

  • FIFA’s Forward distribution for every MA would increase by 50% to USD 9 million (12 million AUD) per cycle.

  • The overall uplift for world football would be in the region of USD 6.6 billion (9.1 billion AUD) in the first four-year cycle.
  • A biennial cycle for the men’s World Cup would produce a gross domestic product (GDP) gain of more than USD 180 billion (249 billion AUD) over a 16-year period, while generating two million full-time jobs.

FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger:

“FIFA’s commitment to the future of football remains resolute, as we want to give every talent a chance, and to create the right environment to deliver on that promise through our competitions,” he said.

“We want to reorganise the international match calendar, especially to promote and improve football, while respecting all stakeholders – and that begins with the players themselves, by introducing a mandatory rest period.”

As part of his plan, national-team fixtures would be grouped together under a new international match calendar, leading to less travel for the players.

FIFA is planning for more consultations with confederations and MA’s early this year, with the opportunity to explore the idea in further depth.

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Fremantle City Launches 2026 NPL Season with Focus on Youth and Community

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Image Credit: Football West

Fremantle City FC has officially launched its 2026 New Balance NPL WA Men’s and Women’s seasons, championing a community-first approach that puts young players at the heart of the club’s future.In a vibrant ceremony at Hilton Park, club juniors presented first-team shirts to senior Men’s and Women’s squads, symbolising a critical pathway from grassroots to elite football within the Fremantle family.

“This is very important for us- our juniors presenting shirts to our NPL Women’s and Men’s teams,” said Club President Tony Estrano. “2026 is the ninth year of our academy, running from under-nines up to under-16s, for both boys and girls. Today’s shirt handover by our Under 13s Academy and JDL teams shows these kids there is a real pathway to the first team.”

Head coach Samantha Geddes has reaffirmed the sentiment, emphasising Freo’s commitment to club unity: “Getting the whole club involved like this is brilliant. It’s great for our young girls to see that connection to the senior team and for senior players to inspire and support the next generation.”

Momentum and Ambition for 2026

Fremantle’s Women’s side enters 2026 riding high after a historic State Cup triumph last season, with captain Annabelle Leek setting her sights even higher: “Winning the State Cup was massive. We’re ready to build on that momentum, with new signings and a renewed focus on finishing in the top four.”

On the men’s side, after avoiding relegation last year and freshening up the roster with key signings, captain Cam Edwards is confident: “We’re ambitious, and with this group, we know we can put on a good show.”

Fremantle City has committed itself to turning club culture and youth pathways into on-field results, inspiring the next generation to wear the crest at every level.

Level the Playing Field: Football Unites at Parliament House to Back Grassroots Growth

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 Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography 

Victorian football’s most influential voices gathered at Parliament House last Wednesday to officially launch the Level the Playing Field campaign. The initiative is a united call to strengthen grassroots infrastructure and ensure every child has access to safe, modern facilities.

Hosted by Football Victoria alongside members of the Parliamentary Friends of Football, the event brought together MPs from across the political spectrum, A-League representatives, community clubs and emerging players, reinforcing one clear message: when football thrives, Victoria thrives.

Football Victoria Chair Dr Angela Williams delivered a powerful address, drawing on her professional experience to underscore sport’s social impact.

“You belong when you play football,” she said. “It is the same healthy place to play — regardless of race, religion or background. Young people in sport are healthier and safer. That’s what this is about.”

The campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the game. Participation across Victoria has surged to more than 127,000 registered players, with female participation experiencing significant growth in recent years. A legacy of the recent success of the Australian women’s national team.

Yet, as speakers emphasised, infrastructure has not kept pace.

Former Socceroo and community advocate Carl Valeri reflected on the contrast between elite and grassroots environments, highlighting the importance of stronger community facilities.

“When you walk into a community facility, there’s the same love and passion,” Valeri said. “But the infrastructure doesn’t always match. That infrastructure can turn away the kids who decide to play later, or those who might be facing challenges at home. For me, community football is important because we have to keep kids involved in the game.”

 Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography 

Current and emerging players echoed the sentiment. Young footballer Kara Crnac highlighted how quality facilities build confidence and create opportunity, while coach and talent pathway representative Maddison Kamolins stressed the importance of safe, inclusive environments.

Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography

Government representatives acknowledged more than $100 million in recent football facility investment, including the state’s landmark commitment to Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University, while recognising further support is required at the grassroots level.

Football Victoria CEO Dan Birrell described the campaign as both collaborative and forward-looking.

“We’re going to be visible; we’re going to be active and we’re going to be strong advocates for our clubs,” he said. “Every elite career begins at a community ground. If we want stronger communities and stronger representation on the world stage, we must invest where it all begins.”

With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon and continued momentum across domestic competitions, the message from Parliament was clear: the next generation of Matildas and Socceroos is already here.

Now, it’s time to level the playing field, sign the petition here.

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