FIFA launches Board of Peace partnership ahead of World Cup in US
FIFA launches Board of Peace partnership ahead of World Cup in US
Irene Wright, USA TODAYMon, February 23, 2026 at 7:40 PM UTC
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The U.S.-led Board of Peace has a new partner as the country prepares to be thrust into the international soccer spotlight.
FIFA signed a partnership agreement with the board Feb. 19 to "actively source investment from international leaders and institutions harnessing the power of football to support recovery, stability and long-term development in conflict-affected regions."
The agreement comes not only as the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but also after the organization awarded its inaugural Peace Prize to President Trump in December.
What is the Board of Peace?
"The Board of Peace will play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the President's plan" to end the war in Gaza, according an announcement from the White House. The board will assist by "providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development."
The Board is chaired by Trump, with appointed members including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Tony Blair, businessman Marc Rowan, President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga and U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.
The Board has also announced a large number of founding member states including Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Albania, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, El Salvador, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Controversially, the Board of Peace announced Israel would be included as a founding member of the group on Feb. 12. Israel is in direct conflict with Palestine. Palestine has also not been listed as a founding member of the Board.
A United Nations Commission concluded Israel has committed genocide in Gaza in a September report, and the commission said top Israeli officials like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were directly responsible for inciting these acts. Israel responded to the commission's findings by calling it scandalous.
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What will FIFA do with the Board of Peace?
"FIFA wants as many people as possible around the world to participate in our game and benefit from the opportunities it creates. Football brings people together and contributes to a more prosperous, educated, equal and peaceful world. Together with the support of the Board of Peace, FIFA will drive this partnership which is built to deliver impact at every stage," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
The organization laid out a multi-phase plan that begins with a "comprehensive recovery program for Gaza" and leads to the construction of a new 20,000-seat national stadium.
Phase I begins with the construction of 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches near schools and residential areas paired with a Football for Schools program that provides equipment and activities to children through FIFA. This will occur in the first three to six months, the organization said.
The second phase, starting at 12 months, will include "the development of five full-size pitches, enabling the establishment of organized local clubs and strengthening structured football pathways," according to FIFA.
Between 18 and 36 months into the partnership, FIFA will create a "center of excellence integrating elite sport, education and accommodation." This will include "talent identification, professional pathways and skilled employment opportunities."
The final phase ends with a national stadium that can reinforce "national identity" while "generating commercial revenues."
"Implementation will proceed in line with ongoing monitoring of safety and security conditions," FIFA said. "Once circumstances allow, the activation of Phase I will begin, supported by structured stakeholder engagement and milestone-based progress reporting."
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FIFA joins Board of Peace as partner as US gears up for World Cup
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