Listen to this article with AI
What To Know
- With a formal agreement in place and a newly branded ceremony launching in 2026, the FIFA World Football Awards will now have a fixed global stage.
- He added that the awards would focus on celebrating football and honoring the official top performers of the year, both on and off the pitch.
- The confirmation of Dubai as the permanent host of FIFA’s only annual awards ceremony marks a structural change in how the governing body presents its top honors.
FIFA confirms Dubai as permanent home of its only official annual awards ceremony starting 2026
FIFA has confirmed a major shift in global football’s calendar with the announcement that Dubai will host its only official annual awards ceremony starting in 2026. The decision places the city at the center of football’s most formal yearly celebration, bringing together players, coaches, executives, and senior figures tied to the sport’s global direction. The announcement was delivered publicly by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the World Sports Summit held in Dubai.
From 2026 onward, the ceremony will carry a new name and a permanent address.
The event will be known as the FIFA World Football Awards. According to FIFA, the ceremony will recognize the best players, teams, and contributors based on performances from the previous season. This marks the first time the governing body has committed its annual awards to a single host city on a long-term basis.
FIFA Confirms Long-Term Home For Global Awards
FIFA confirmed that the Dubai ceremony will serve as the organisation’s only official annual awards event. The announcement came directly from Gianni Infantino during his address at the World Sports Summit.
Infantino described the partnership as a new chapter for the awards programme. “We are delighted to join forces with Dubai, a city that lives and breathes football, as we develop this world-class event,” he said. He added that the awards would focus on celebrating football and honoring the official top performers of the year, both on and off the pitch.
FIFA stated that the new ceremony format will gather the most influential figures tied to the sport each year, including players, coaches, administrators, and decision makers.
Dubai Sports Council Signs Official Agreement
Dubai Sports Council formalised the partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA, confirming Dubai as the host city starting in 2026. The agreement secures the ceremony as an annual fixture in the city’s sports calendar.
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said the agreement builds on an existing relationship between Dubai and FIFA. He noted that several global football announcements have been made from the city in recent years and described the partnership as part of continued cooperation between both sides.
He added that the agreement reinforces Dubai’s position on the global football map and supports initiatives focused on developing the sport worldwide, honoring outstanding individuals, and hosting major international events.
How The New Awards Fit FIFA’s History
FIFA first introduced The Best FIFA Football Awards in 2017, following the conclusion of the FIFA World Player Gala, which ran from 1991 to 2009. The Best Awards were created to honor players, coaches, and teams after FIFA ended its partnership with Ballon d’Or organizers.
The most recent edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards took place in Doha in December 2025. Paris Saint Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé received the Best Men’s Player award, while FC Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named Best Women’s Player.
From 2026 onward, the newly titled FIFA World Football Awards will replace previous formats, with Dubai hosting the ceremony every year.
The confirmation of Dubai as the permanent host of FIFA’s only annual awards ceremony marks a structural change in how the governing body presents its top honors. With a formal agreement in place and a newly branded ceremony launching in 2026, the FIFA World Football Awards will now have a fixed global stage. Further details regarding venue selection, ceremony timing, and program structure are expected to be announced by FIFA at a later stage.
