FIFA Builds New Blockchain to Power Its NFT Marketplace

The world’s most popular sport is making a big move into blockchain. FIFA, the global football authority, is launching its own Layer-1 blockchain with Avalanche to power FIFA Collect, its NFT marketplace. This bold step not only brings faster transactions and better wallet access to fans but also sets the stage for FIFA’s wider ambitions in Web3.

Let’s break down what this means for the future of football, digital collectibles, and blockchain games.

FIFA’s Web3 Evolution: Why Build a Custom Blockchain?

FIFA’s decision to build its own Layer-1 blockchain—called simply the FIFA Blockchain—marks a significant shift from its earlier Web3 efforts. Previously, FIFA Collect lived on Algorand, but the move to a custom Avalanche chain signals a desire for greater speed, control, and scale.

“The decision was based on a rigorous analysis of key factors including performance, security, transaction fees, customizability, and scalability,” explained Francesco Abbate, CEO of Modex, the blockchain firm helping FIFA build the platform.

In short, FIFA wants to build an infrastructure that’s future-proof and purpose-built for global digital engagement.

Why Avalanche? The Technical Advantage

Avalanche isn’t new to the Web3 scene—but landing a partnership with FIFA might be its biggest win yet.

The choice came down to performance and scalability. Avalanche supports ultra-fast transaction speeds, low fees, and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility. This means it can handle FIFA’s massive user base—estimated at 5 billion global fans—without buckling under the pressure of major events like the World Cup.

“Only their own chain can support their ambitions,” said John Nahas, VP of Business Development at Ava Labs.

With Avalanche’s support, FIFA Blockchain becomes a sovereign Layer-1 chain, meaning it operates independently but still connects with the broader Avalanche ecosystem and Ethereum tools.

What Happens to FIFA Collect?

The big change for fans is that FIFA Collect—FIFA’s official NFT platform—is migrating to the new blockchain. This migration includes all existing NFTs and marketplace features.

Users who currently store their assets in Algorand-based wallets (such as Pera or Defly) will need to switch to Ethereum-compatible wallets like MetaMask. This change is made possible by Avalanche’s EVM compatibility, which simplifies wallet access and onboarding for millions of fans.

The improved infrastructure promises:

• Faster transactions

• Lower gas fees

• Simplified onboarding for new users

• Better performance during high-traffic events

In short, this is a major UX upgrade for anyone involved in blockchain-based football collectibles.

More Than Just NFTs: Future Use Cases on the Horizon

While the current focus is on NFTs, the FIFA Blockchain is designed with much bigger things in mind. Future possibilities include:

• Fan tokens for voting and engagement

• Digital ticketing for live events

• Exclusive content drops

• And yes—even blockchain-powered football games

One such game is already in motion: FIFA Rivals, developed with Mythical Games. This free-to-play mobile soccer game merges Web3 and gaming, and it's now open for pre-registration. It's an exciting step in bringing blockchain games to the mainstream.

With these developments, FIFA is not just experimenting with NFTs—it’s building a full-fledged digital football ecosystem.

What This Means for Blockchain Gaming

FIFA’s move is also a massive endorsement of blockchain gaming. While most traditional sports organizations have dipped their toes into Web3, FIFA is going all-in—building infrastructure from the ground up.

This shows that blockchain isn’t just about speculation—it’s about real-world applications, community building, and interactive fan engagement.

“This move enhances our ability to deliver unique digital collectibles and immersive fan experiences,” said Modex’s Abbate.

In the broader context, this puts FIFA alongside gaming projects like Sorare, Zed Run, and other pioneers that are revolutionizing sports entertainment in Web3.

Key Players Behind FIFA’s Blockchain Leap

Let’s not forget the organizations making this all happen:

• FIFA: The global governing body of football, managing events like the World Cup and promoting the sport worldwide.

• Modex: A tech company focused on blockchain security and enterprise solutions. Modex is helping FIFA develop and manage its entire digital ecosystem, starting with FIFA Collect.

• Avalanche: A fast, scalable blockchain platform known for its custom Layer-1 chains and EVM compatibility.

Together, these three are building a powerful Web3 foundation that could redefine how fans interact with the beautiful game.

A Win-Win for Avalanche and Global Sports

While FIFA benefits from Avalanche’s speed and flexibility, Avalanche gains massive visibility. Partnering with one of the most recognized sports brands on Earth proves that it’s not just another chain—it’s ready for enterprise-scale adoption.

“FIFA Blockchain is a significant step forward in Avalanche’s broader mission: powering adoption of real-world applications that reach beyond the crypto-native audience,” reads Avalanche’s official blog.

As more major brands follow suit, this could be a watershed moment for the entire Web3 and blockchain gaming space.

Final Whistle: What’s Next?

The launch of the FIFA Blockchain is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a cultural shift. It’s about merging tradition with innovation, creating new ways for fans to connect, and building a digital infrastructure that will support everything from NFTs to games to real-world events.

Whether you’re a football fan, a collector, or a gamer, one thing is clear: the future of football is on the blockchain—and it’s already underway.

Stay tuned on NFT Playgrounds for the latest in blockchain games, digital collectibles, and everything Web3.