FIFA is making a significant leap into Web3 infrastructure with the announcement of its own EVM-compatible “FIFA Blockchain.” The migration will mark a major shift for FIFA Collect, the governing body’s official platform for digital collectibles.
The migration is expected to begin no earlier than May 20, 2025, according to an official statement on FIFA’s website. The transition aims to improve scalability, performance, and long-term innovation across the FIFA Collect ecosystem. Users will retain access to their existing NFTs and assets simply by logging into their accounts post-migration.
Key Details: Migration Process and Wallet Compatibility
During the switch, FIFA Collect will be offline for approximately 12 hours, and users are advised to prepare accordingly. While no action is required for most users, those who previously exported their collectibles must re-import them by May 20 to ensure inclusion in the migration. FIFA will temporarily re-enable imports to support this process.
Once migrated, Algorand-based wallets like Pera and Defly will no longer be supported. Users will instead be able to connect using MetaMask or any EVM-compatible wallet via WalletConnect, reflecting a strategic move away from Algorand toward broader Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) interoperability.
All collectibles currently listed for sale will remain listed on the new platform unless users manually delist them before the cutoff date. The migration is completely free for all participants.
Changes to USDC Spending
FIFA also clarified how USDC balances will be handled. Users can continue to spend USDC up until the migration, but afterward, only withdrawals will be permitted. Any remaining balances must be managed accordingly to avoid disruption.
Hints at a FIFA Coin?
The blockchain upgrade comes weeks after FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s appearance at the White House Crypto Summit on March 7. Standing beside President Trump, Infantino hinted at the potential development of a “FIFA Coin” to engage the organization’s global fanbase. Trump responded enthusiastically, even joking that the coin might “surpass FIFA in value.”
While no formal announcements have been made, the migration to a proprietary EVM-compatible blockchain lays the technical groundwork for such a project in the near future.
With a growing focus on Web3 and digital engagement, FIFA’s new blockchain initiative signals its long-term commitment to innovation. By launching its own EVM-compatible infrastructure, FIFA is not only modernizing its collectibles ecosystem but also potentially paving the way for broader crypto integration in global sports.
