FIFA will lead efforts to raise $75 million to rebuild football infrastructure in Gaza following the devastation caused by the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The announcement was made on 19 February 2026 in Washington by Donald Trump during the inaugural meeting of his newly formed “Board of Peace”, an initiative focused on reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking at the event, Trump said: “I’m pleased to announce that Fifa will be helping to raise a total of $75 million for projects in Gaza. They’re soccer related — fields and facilities — and getting some of the greatest stars in the world involved.”
Later on 19 February 2026, Fifa released a statement outlining plans for a comprehensive redevelopment programme. The proposals include the construction of a football academy, a new 20,000-seat national stadium and dozens of community pitches across Gaza.
While Trump referenced a $75 million target, Fifa’s official statement did not confirm a specific figure, instead noting that funding would be secured “from international leaders and institutions”.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino described the initiative as “a landmark partnership agreement that will foster investment into football for the purpose of helping the recovery process in post-conflict areas”.
The Board of Peace was convened after the United States, working alongside Qatar and Egypt, brokered a ceasefire in October 2025 aimed at ending two years of war in Gaza. The conflict began following the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas, which triggered a prolonged Israeli military offensive.
Infantino has developed close ties with Trump in recent months, including presenting him with an inaugural Fifa “Peace Prize” at the World Cup draw in December 2025.
