The inaugural FIFA Series, a pilot project featuring friendly matches between national teams from different regions, kicks off today in Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time the Kingdom will host two groups of teams during the current FIFA international match window.
FIFA is supporting its member associations by organizing these friendly matches. Each group will consist of four national teams from various continental federations competing in a single host country.
Jeddah Governorate will be the stage for the first two groups. The matches will be held from March 21st to 26th at the reserve stadium of King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium.
The first group features teams from Cape Verde (CAF), Cambodia (AFC), Equatorial Guinea (CAF), and Guyana (CONCACAF). The second group will see Bermuda (CONCACAF), Brunei Darussalam (AFC), Guinea (CAF), and Vanuatu (OFC) take the field. All participating teams have arrived in Jeddah and are currently training at the King Abdullah Sports City facilities in preparation for the kickoff.
Hosting this intercontinental event reflects the strong collaboration between Saudi and international football federations. It aligns with FIFA’s development goals, particularly those focused on national team development and providing opportunities for technical advancement.
By hosting two groups, Saudi Arabia further establishes itself as a premier destination for major global sporting events. The Kingdom has recently hosted prestigious tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup, Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and the West Asian Women’s Championship. They will also host the Asian Cup 2027 and have expressed interest in bidding for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
