Boniek says Europe has suffered most from expanded World Cup
January 6 – Polish icon Zbigniew Boniek has never been one to soften his views for the sake of diplomacy, and his verdict on FIFA’s expanded World Cup is typically direct.
FIFA
FIFA hands over the running of its annual awards to the Dubai Sports Council
January 1 – FIFA’s Best Awards, launched in a shiny blaze of publicity and showbiz glamour in 2017 after a partnership fallout out with the more established Ballon d’Or Awards, have now been canned in favour of a new partnership with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
Boom year for agents as fees climb 90% to $1.37bn
December 23 – It has been a boom year for football agents who, according to FIFA’s Football Agents Report 2025, earned a combined $1.37 billion from clubs for international transfers service fees.
That figure is a massive 90% increase on the previous year, and the highest-ever total for a full year, also hammering the previous record in 2023 of $889.4 million.
FIFA and Qatar renew MoU focused on raising club management standards within the QSL
December 23 – FIFA has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Stars League (QSL) and Qatar Football Association (QFA) that will focus on helping the Qataris raise standards of professional club management and administration across the Qatar Stars League’s first- and second-division clubs.
FIFA goes deeper with Roblox and rebrands kids game to FIFA Super Soccer
December 22 – FIFA has extended its partnership with gaming platform Roblox as it continues to push deeper into digital and immersive experiences aimed at younger audiences, launching the new officially licensed ‘FIFA Super Soccer’.
Spain close out 2025 top of men’s World ranking
December 22 – Spain will begin 2026 where they finished 2025: at the top of the men’s international game. The final FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking of the year confirms Spain as the world’s number one side, maintaining the position they reclaimed from Argentina in September.
Morocco beat Jordan 3-2 in extra time to win Arab Cup
December 19 – Morocco captured the Arab Cup in dramatic fashion, edging Jordan 3-2 after extra time thanks to two late goals from Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah and a stunning long-range strike from Oussama Tannane.
FIFA condemns Malaysia to forfeiture of three matches following forgery scandal
December 18 – FIFA has ordered Malaysia to forfeit three international matches by 3–0 scorelines after ruling that the national team fielded ineligible players, deepening a document forgery scandal that has already led to heavy sanctions, senior suspensions and criminal referrals across multiple jurisdictions.
Flamengo pay the penalty as Paris Saint-Germain crowned FIFA Intercontinental Cup winners
December 18 – UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned FIFA Intercontinetal Cup victors after defeating CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo 2-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Qatar.
FIFA Council approves prize fund boost for 2026 World Cup
December 18 – The FIFA Council has approved a record $655 million prize fund for the 2026 World Cup, a massive 50% increase on Qatar 2022 prize money.
FIFA returns to gaming in partnership with Netflix and Delphi Interactive
December 18 – This summer, Netflix Games will launch a new FIFA football simulation, available exclusively to Netflix subscribers during the 2026 World Cup.
Donald Trump expands travel restrictions ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
December 18 – The U.S. administration has tightened the screws on the 2026 World Cup again, with yet more directives and an expansion of travel restrictions.
FIFA World Cup trophy set for whistle-stop tour ahead of 2026 iteration
December 18 – On January 3, 2026, FIFA and Coca-Cola will send the World Cup trophy on a global meet-and-greet road show, and just like the Olympic flame, this tour is less about logistics and more about symbolism.
Dembele doubles up on 2025 awards as Bonmati makes it a FIFA Best hat trick
December 17 – Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati have won the FIFA Best Awards in Doha, Qatar.
Nigeria seek lifeline back into 2026 qualifying with complaint to FIFA over ineligible Congo players
December 17 – Nigeria has filed an official complaint to FIFA over Congo DR who they claim used between six and nine ineligible players in their 2026 qualifying campaign.