Public Investment Fund (PIF) and FIFA have announced a new partnership that names PIF an Official Tournament Supporter for the FIFA World Cup 2026 across North America and Asia. The collaboration highlights a shared vision to accelerate football’s global development, strengthen grassroots participation, and create broader opportunities within the sport.
The agreement also brings together several PIF-backed entities, including Savvy Games Group — Saudi Arabia’s leading gaming and esports company — and Qiddiya City, the Kingdom’s upcoming destination for entertainment, sports, and culture. During the tournament, PIF and its affiliated companies plan to introduce immersive fan experiences and technology-driven engagement initiatives aimed at connecting with football audiences worldwide.
The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 national teams and being hosted jointly across three countries. The event is anticipated to attract global audiences and further strengthen football’s international reach.
FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai welcomed the partnership, stating that the collaboration with PIF would support the organization’s efforts to inspire fans, expand access to football, and encourage youth participation globally. He emphasized that the agreement would help foster innovation and create new development opportunities for the sport.
Meanwhile, PIF Head of Corporate Brand Mohamed AlSayyad said the partnership reflects PIF’s growing international presence in sports, particularly football. He noted that the agreement builds on previous collaborations with FIFA during the FIFA Club World Cup and partnerships with regional football organizations such as Concacaf.
Football continues to play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s wider transformation agenda, especially following the Kingdom’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. Saudi Arabia aims to leverage the sport to create economic opportunities, encourage youth engagement, and strengthen its global sports profile.
The partnership will also focus on knowledge transfer and skills development initiatives for Saudi youth, supporting long-term growth in football management, infrastructure, and technical expertise.
The announcement aligns with PIF’s broader 2026–2030 strategy, which identifies sports, tourism, entertainment, and leisure as key sectors for investment and economic diversification. Through the partnership, FIFA and PIF aim to support football development programs worldwide, including grassroots initiatives, women’s football, youth education projects, and infrastructure enhancement efforts across FIFA’s 211 member associations.
