FIFA Pledges $50M for Soccer Stadium in War-Ravaged Gaza

International soccer governing body also commits to building training facilities and mini-pitches to 'rebuild people, emotion, hope and trust'

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Gaza Strip, devastated by years of conflict between Israel and Hamas, is in dire need of rebuilding basic infrastructure like homes, roads, and power grids. But FIFA, the international soccer governing body, has pledged $50 million to construct a new national soccer stadium in the region, along with a $15 million training academy and dozens of smaller soccer fields. FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the organization aims to 'rebuild and build people, emotion, hope and trust' through the power of soccer.

Why it matters

The pledge of a new soccer stadium and training facilities in Gaza raises questions about whether the region's most pressing needs - like housing, transportation, and utilities - are being adequately addressed. While soccer can serve as a unifying force, critics argue the funds could be better spent on restoring critical infrastructure and services to improve the daily lives of Gaza's residents.

The details

As part of a $7 billion Gaza relief package announced at the inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, FIFA committed $50 million to build a new national soccer stadium in Gaza that can hold 20,000 to 25,000 spectators. The organization also pledged $15 million to establish a FIFA academy, as well as $2.5 million for 50 'arena mini pitches' and five full-sized soccer fields costing $1 million each. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the investments are aimed at 'rebuilding and building people, emotion, hope and trust' through the 'universal language' of soccer.

  • The Board of Peace meeting where the Gaza relief package was announced took place on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Gianni Infantino

The president of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who convened the Board of Peace meeting where the Gaza relief package was announced.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer, which has pledged significant funding for soccer infrastructure in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

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What they’re saying

“We don't have to just rebuild houses or schools or hospitals or roads. We also have to rebuild and build people, emotion, hope and trust. And this is what football, my sport, is about.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

“Football, or soccer, as it is called here, is the world's universal language. It's about hope. It's about joy. It's about happiness. It's about coming together. It's about uniting the world.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

What’s next

The details of the FIFA-backed soccer projects in Gaza, including timelines and construction plans, are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

While the pledge of a new soccer stadium and training facilities in Gaza may provide a symbolic boost, critics argue the funds could be better spent addressing the region's more pressing infrastructure needs like housing, transportation, and utilities. The success of these soccer investments in 'rebuilding and building people, emotion, hope and trust' will depend on how they are implemented and integrated with broader reconstruction efforts.