FIFA Launches Own Blockchain on Avalanche for Enhanced Fan Engagement

FIFA, the global governing body of football, has announced the launch of its own dedicated layer-1 blockchain utilizing Avalanche’s Subnet technology. This move marks a significant shift from its previous use of the Algorand blockchain, which had powered FIFA’s initial ventures into Web3, including the FIFA Collect NFT marketplace launched ahead of the 2023 Club World Cup. The new blockchain is designed to serve as the infrastructure for FIFA’s blockchain-based products, such as digital collectibles and games, offering enhanced performance, scalability, and user experience.

FIFA’s decision to build its own blockchain is driven by several factors, including control over infrastructure, scalability, and ecosystem integration. Under its previous deal with Algorand, FIFA relied on an external protocol to power its digital collectibles. While Algorand offered energy-efficient, low-cost transactions, the ecosystem remained relatively isolated. FIFA’s own blockchain gives it full sovereignty over the protocol layer, enabling it to decide how assets are issued, how games integrate, and how users interact with its products without being dependent on third-party roadmap decisions.

Scalability is a critical factor for FIFA, which serves a fanbase estimated at over 5 billion people globally. During the 2022 World Cup, FIFA reported more than 1.5 billion viewers for the final match. The new blockchain infrastructure, built on Avalanche’s Subnet architecture, allows FIFA to scale independently from the broader Avalanche network, providing customizable throughput and governance suited to event-based spikes in user activity.

In addition to scalability, FIFA’s new blockchain offers better developer and user compatibility. Unlike Algorand, which is not EVM-compatible, Avalanche Subnets support the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) by default. This allows FIFA’s blockchain to interact natively with the broader Ethereum ecosystem, making it easier for developers to port over smart contracts and for users to engage using standard wallets like MetaMask and Trust Wallet. This reduces onboarding friction and opens the door to broader engagement from the Web3 community.

Interoperability with other chains is another key feature of FIFA’s new blockchain. Avalanche has positioned its Subnet technology as a modular solution for enterprises and institutions building their own chains that still need cross-chain interoperability. This aligns with FIFA’s stated interest in expanding beyond collectibles into Web3 gaming and fan participation tools that interact with multiple platforms.

FIFA’s blockchain is being built as a dedicated Subnet, a customizable blockchain that operates independently while still benefiting from Avalanche’s consensus model and infrastructure. Subnets can have their own tokenomics, validator sets, and smart contract logic. FIFA’s EVM compatibility means developers can build decentralized applications (DApps) using Solidity, and FIFA can integrate with the broader decentralized finance and NFT ecosystems if it chooses to. This setup provides FIFA with a blend of scalability, performance, and flexibility that general-purpose chains haven’t yet matched for large-scale sports applications.

With the launch of its dedicated blockchain, fans are starting to see the first wave of products and experiences built on it. FIFA Collect, the organization’s official digital collectibles platform, has fully transitioned from Algorand to the new Avalanche-based blockchain. On the upgraded platform, fans can still buy and trade highlights from FIFA tournaments as NFTs, but now some of those NFTs come with added utility, such as real-world perks like tickets to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 or exclusive airdrops tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The platform has also become easier to use thanks to better wallet integration and faster transaction speeds.

FIFA is also entering blockchain gaming through a new mobile title called FIFA Rivals, developed with Mythical Games and Bacon Games. The game is set to launch globally in June 2025 and is being timed with the Club World Cup. Unlike traditional football games, FIFA Rivals leans into arcade-style action and fantasy gameplay. Players will build and customize teams, compete in live matches, and collect digital player cards, all of which exist as NFTs. These in-game items are tradable on the Mythos blockchain, meaning fans actually own what they earn or buy and can take those assets beyond the game environment.

FIFA’s blockchain also opens the door to new fan-driven ecosystems. One of the most notable is 0xFútbol, a community project built on Avalanche that’s trying to bring fans closer to the game through digital ownership and interactive participation. Launched in June 2025, the platform is centered around the FUTBOL token, which acts as a unifying asset across multiple apps and games. Fans can use the token in prediction markets, engage in tournament-themed quests, and earn rewards for their participation. The long-term goal is to give fans more of a stake in the sport itself.

FIFA’s move to its own EVM-compatible blockchain marks a significant shift in how fans worldwide can engage with the sport. By adopting EVM compatibility, FIFA enables fans to use widely recognized wallets like MetaMask and WalletConnect. This transition simplifies access for users, particularly in emerging markets, by removing the need for specialized wallets previously required on platforms like Algorand. As a result, fans can more easily participate in digital collectibles, games, and other blockchain-based experiences.

As touched upon, the new blockchain infrastructure allows fans to move beyond passive viewership. Through platforms like FIFA Collect and games such as FIFA Rivals, supporters can own digital assets, earn rewards, and engage in interactive experiences. Additionally, projects like 0xFútbol let fans engage with the game as active participants, each with a financial stake, a voice in decisions, and a more immersive overall experience. FIFA’s blockchain sets the foundation for a global marketplace of digital rights and loyalty programs. Fans may gain access to exclusive content, matchday experiences, and other benefits tied to their digital engagement. FIFA’s integration of blockchain technology represents a step toward a more connected and participatory future for football fans worldwide.