19/10/2026
Growing the game in Côte d'Ivoire 🇨🇮
In Côte d’Ivoire, FIFA and the Ivorian Football Association (FIF) have worked side by side for several years on a range of initiatives aimed at growing the game.
The FIFA Series 2026™ women’s event, held in Abidjan in April, was a case in point. The tournament’s success reflects a wider partnership with FIFA spanning several schemes, including Football for Schools.
“We joined the Football for Schools programme in 2022. It enables girls and boys in Côte d’Ivoire to develop life skills, become more independent and learn through football. What better way to help shape the generations of tomorrow? Other projects are also under way and will be inaugurated soon.” - FIFA President Yacine Idriss Diallo.
With FIFA’s backing, the FIF has laid the foundations for long-term development. The upgrade of the national technical centre in Bingerville, completed in 2025 with support from the FIFA Forward programme, is a prime example. A total of USD 4,341,743 was invested in the project.
The project involved renovating existing infrastructure, including a swimming pool, and constructing new facilities tailored to the demands of top-level football. These include a medical area, an accommodation block, a gym and a dedicated training building.
The centre hosts national teams of all age groups as well as local clubs, while providing an ideal environment for scouting and developing young talent.
“We cannot overlook everything FIFA is doing for Ivorian football through its various development programmes. Our ties and collaboration with FIFA have always been strong, and they will remain so. Together, we will continue to help Ivorian football shine on the national, continental and global stages.” - FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo.
