FIFPRO Global Board advances strategic priorities ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFPRO Global Board convened in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, this week for a three-day meeting focused on advancing the organisation's strategic priorities and preparing for a landmark period for professional football.

Taking place just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the meeting brought together Board members from across the global player union movement to discuss key developments affecting the game and review FIFPRO's priorities for the months ahead.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to begin in Canada, Mexico and the United States, Board members reviewed FIFPRO's tournament preparedness and the measures in place to support players, member unions and stakeholders throughout the competition. As part of these efforts, FIFPRO will establish a dedicated World Cup Desk in collaboration with the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) in Washington, D.C. Operating throughout the tournament, the hub will provide a central point of coordination, information-sharing and support across the global player union network.

Beyond preparations for the World Cup, the Board advanced discussions on a range of strategic priorities for the organisation, including stakeholder engagement, membership matters, women's football and ongoing policy work. Discussions reflected the evolving landscape of professional football and the importance of ensuring players and their unions remain meaningfully represented in decisions that affect the game.

Board members also received updates from FIFPRO's Women's Football Steering Council and discussed priorities for the year ahead, including ongoing efforts to strengthen representation and support for players in the women's game as it continues its global growth.

FIFPRO President Sergio Marchi said: "The FIFA World Cup is always a defining moment for our sport, but it is equally important that we continue building the foundations that strengthen the position of players every day, not only during major tournaments. Our discussions this week focused on the strategic priorities that will guide our work in the years ahead – from supporting our member unions and advancing women's football to ensuring players have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their careers and livelihoods."

As attention turns to the FIFA World Cup, FIFPRO and its member unions enter a pivotal period for the game, focused not only on supporting players during the tournament, but also on advancing long-term priorities that will shape the future of professional football.