FIFA has confirmed a major shift in global football's calendar: Dubai will host its only official annual awards ceremony starting in 2026, placing the city permanently at the centre of football's most formal yearly celebration. The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the World Sports Summit held in Dubai.
Dubai Named Permanent Host of FIFA World Football Awards
From 2026 onward, the ceremony will carry both a new name and a fixed address. The event will be known as the FIFA World Football Awards, recognising the best players, teams, and contributors based on performances from the previous season. This is the first time FIFA has committed its annual awards to a single host city on a long-term basis.
FIFA confirmed that the Dubai ceremony will serve as the organisation's only official annual awards event. Infantino described the partnership as a new chapter for the 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, adding that the awards would honour the official top performers of the year both on and off the pitch.
FIFA stated that the new ceremony format will bring together the most influential figures in the sport each year — players, coaches, administrators, and decision-makers.
Dubai Sports Council Signs MOU With FIFA
The Dubai Sports Council formalised the partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA, confirming Dubai as host city from 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 major global football announcements have originated from the city in recent years and described the deal 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, honouring outstanding individuals, and hosting major international events.
How the FIFA World Football 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 honour players, coaches, and teams after FIFA ended its partnership with Ballon d'Or organisers.
The most recent edition 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 every year.
The confirmation of Dubai as permanent host marks a structural change in how FIFA presents its top honours. With a formal agreement in place and a rebranded ceremony launching in 2026, the FIFA World Football Awards now have a fixed global stage. Further details on venue selection, ceremony timing, and programme structure are expected to be announced by FIFA at a later stage.
