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

The international soccer governing body also promises additional investments to build a 'complete football ecosystem' in the region.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Gaza Strip has been devastated by years of conflict, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and critical infrastructure in ruins. But FIFA, the international soccer governing body, has pledged $50 million to build a new national soccer stadium in Gaza, along with a $15 million FIFA academy and additional investments in soccer fields and leagues. FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the goal is to 'turn football into a bridge toward peace, dignity and hope' in the region.

Why it matters

The pledge from FIFA to invest heavily in soccer infrastructure in Gaza comes as the region struggles to rebuild basic necessities like homes, roads, water, and power after years of war. While some see the soccer stadium as an unnecessary luxury, FIFA argues that the 'universal language' of the sport can help bring people together and provide a sense of hope and community in the devastated area.

The details

FIFA has pledged $50 million to build a new national soccer stadium in Gaza that will hold between 20,000 and 25,000 spectators. The organization is also investing $15 million to build a FIFA academy, as well as $2.5 million for 50 'arena mini pitches' or small soccer fields, and five full-sized fields costing $1 million each. FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the goal is to 'rebuild and build people, emotion, hope and trust' through the power of soccer.

  • The Board of Peace, a White House-brokered initiative to end the fighting in Gaza, held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Gianni Infantino

The president of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, who announced the organization's substantial investment in soccer infrastructure for Gaza.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who launched the Board of Peace initiative to help rebuild Gaza, and who praised FIFA President Infantino during the event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (wbal.com)

“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 (wbal.com)

“I like your job the best, I think.”

— Donald Trump (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Board of Peace will continue to work on a comprehensive plan to rebuild Gaza's critical infrastructure and provide humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.

The takeaway

While Gaza desperately needs to rebuild basic necessities like housing, roads, and power, FIFA's substantial investment in soccer infrastructure highlights the role that sports can play in providing hope, community, and a sense of normalcy in the aftermath of conflict.