FIFA Expands the Scope of World Football Day to Celebrate the Annual World Football Week
The International Football Federation (FIFA) has announced the launch of World Football Week from May 21 to May 25, 2025. This unprecedented initiative will focus its inaugural edition on connecting people and transcending geographical, cultural, and linguistic barriers through the enjoyment of football, under the slogan “Together We Are Stronger.” This week provides an opportunity for individuals, teams, national associations, and various organizations worldwide to organize matches or celebrate the beautiful game, highlighting the inherent strength found in unity.
Almost a year ago, FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed on May 23, 2024, to extend the celebration of World Football Day, as launched by the United Nations, which falls on May 25, making it a five-day event annually within the framework of “World Football Week.” The World Football Week will commence on May 21, coinciding with FIFA’s establishment in 1904, and will extend until May 25, the day that marked the beginning of the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, the first championship organized by FIFA.
Following a call made to the United Nations General Assembly on the eve of World Football Day, FIFA President received significant support from the President of the 78th General Assembly at the time, Dennis Francis, and from the “Football Friends Group,” to provide the world’s population with an opportunity to unite through football and savor the feelings of joy and peace brought by the beautiful game.
On this occasion, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated: “World Football Week is more than just a celebration of the game we love; it is a celebration of unity. Under the slogan ‘Together We Are Stronger,’ World Football Week will serve as an opportunity to celebrate the enormous power of football to bring people together and the strength of the football family when united. Regardless of how you enjoy the sport—whether you play with friends or support a particular team—you are part of football, which unites the world.”
He further added: “I would like to thank the Football Friends Group and the United Nations General Assembly for their support in expanding the celebrations beyond World Football Day, celebrated on May 23, and I look forward to the world coming together during this important week of joy and happiness.”
For his part, FIFA Secretary-General Matthias Grafström remarked: “World Football Week is a unique opportunity for local communities to come together and enjoy football. We thank the national member associations of FIFA and all stakeholders for their creativity and commitment in planning and organizing events, which provides people around the world the chance to share in the joy brought by football.”
It is worth noting that World Football Week will run from May 21, which coincides with the 121st anniversary of FIFA’s founding, until May 25. Additionally, it will be celebrated during the football tournament for the 211 national association delegates participating in the 75th FIFA Congress scheduled to take place in Paraguay on the 15th of the same month. FIFA has prepared a set of digital tools for national associations, clubs, sports centers, and local communities at all levels, serving as a guide for organizing successful local events, as well as presenting various ideas to attract community members to play football and watch matches, along with diverse ways to engage audiences of all ages and physical abilities. The toolkit includes posters and templates for publications to raise awareness of the power of football.
The objective of this initiative remains to unify individuals from all backgrounds through the power of football in fostering community spirit in localities by sharing the experience of watching football.
