Quick Summary:
- FIFA ends its partnership with Algorand and selects Avalanche to power its own custom Layer-1 blockchain.
- The move promises sub-second transactions, minimal fees, and easy wallet integration.
- FIFA Collect, the official NFT marketplace, will migrate to Avalanche after May 20, 2025.
- MetaMask and EVM-compatible wallets will now support FIFA Collect instead of Algorand-based wallets.
- AVAX trading volume surged following the announcement, showing strong investor interest.
- FIFA aims to deliver unique digital collectibles and immersive fan experiences to over 5 billion football fans.
FIFA Enters a New Era with Avalanche Blockchain
In a bold move that stunned the sports world, FIFA announced on May 22, 2025, that it has selected Avalanche to build its dedicated blockchain, officially ending its previous partnership with Algorand. The decision is a game-changer for FIFA’s Web3 ambitions, setting the foundation for a faster, cheaper, and more scalable digital ecosystem for fans worldwide.
Why Avalanche?
FIFA’s new blockchain is a custom Layer-1 on Avalanche, known for its ability to handle 6,500+ transactions per second, low fees, and seamless EVM wallet integration.
“FIFA’s decision to launch its L1 on Avalanche is a testament to our technology’s ability to support global-scale applications with speed, flexibility, and security,”
— John Nahas, Chief Business Officer at Ava Labs
The partnership was also influenced by Avalanche’s enterprise-grade performance and scalability, according to Francesco Abbate, CEO of Modex and FIFA Collect.
He noted that the selection followed a rigorous evaluation of security, fees, and infrastructure.
Migration from Algorand to Avalanche
FIFA will migrate its NFT marketplace, FIFA Collect, from Algorand to Avalanche’s new network after May 20. Fans are advised that wallets like Pera and Defly will no longer be supported. Instead, users should connect via MetaMask or other EVM-compatible wallets using WalletConnect.
Listings on the old platform will be automatically transferred and relisted, unless users choose to remove them before the migration.
What’s Next for FIFA in Web3?
While FIFA hasn’t fully revealed what the new blockchain will support beyond collectibles, it has confirmed plans for immersive fan experiences and unique digital assets.
This marks a significant evolution from FIFA’s earlier Web3 efforts, including the 2022 NFT launch on Algorand and the 2024 release of FIFA Rivals, a mobile Web3 game developed with Mythical Games.
Avalanche’s Growing Web3 Footprint
Avalanche continues to expand its global footprint, securing partnerships with major institutions. Notably, in March 2024, it collaborated with Alipay to launch a Web3 voucher program aimed at enhancing brand engagement.
Final Whistle
With over five billion football fans globally, FIFA’s choice to build on Avalanche signals a monumental shift in the sports-tech landscape. As digital collectibles and blockchain-powered fan experiences go mainstream, this partnership sets a precedent for other global sports organizations to follow.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a Web3 enthusiast, FIFA’s blockchain game is officially on—and it’s moving at Avalanche speed.