Football · FIFA explained
What Is FIFA? History, Responsibilities, Competitions and Awards
FIFA is the global governing body for association football. Its name stands for Fédération Internationale de Football Association. It connects national football associations, organises international competitions and supports the development of the game.
When FIFA began
FIFA was founded in Paris on 21 May 1904. Its headquarters are in Zurich, Switzerland. It now works with 211 member associations, representing countries and territories. A member association governs football within its own territory; FIFA provides the international framework connecting those associations.
What FIFA does
Its work includes international tournaments, development programmes, regulations and cooperation with national associations. The FIFA World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup are familiar examples of its competitions. National teams represent their associations; club teams are different organisations and compete in separate events.
Development work matters beyond televised finals. FIFA’s Forward Programme supports member associations with funding and technical assistance for infrastructure, training and wider participation. Local football still depends on the work of associations, clubs, coaches and volunteers.
FIFA, confederations and national associations
Football has several organisational levels. FIFA works globally. The six regional confederations are AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA. National associations manage football in their own territories. Understanding these levels helps explain why a continental championship and a World Cup have different organisers.
Who changes football’s Laws?
The International Football Association Board, known as The IFAB, is the body authorised to agree changes to the Laws of the Game. FIFA is a member of The IFAB alongside the four British football associations. Tournament regulations and the Laws are related but different: regulations set the competition’s structure, while the Laws govern play on the field.
FIFA awards explained
FIFA presents tournament awards and a separate series called The Best FIFA Football Awards. A World Cup Golden Ball reflects one tournament; The Best evaluates performances over its specified eligibility period. The award name, year and voting rules should always be checked together.
| Award family | What it recognises |
|---|---|
| The Best Men’s and Women’s Player | Individual player performance |
| The Best Men’s and Women’s Coach | Coaching performance |
| The Best Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper | Goalkeeping performance |
| FIFA Puskás and FIFA Marta Awards | Outstanding goals in men’s and women’s football |
| FIFA Fan Award | Supporters and their contribution |
| FIFA Fair Play Award | Acts exemplifying fair play |
| The Best Men’s and Women’s 11 | Selected teams of the eligibility period |
These categories do not all use the same voting system. Read the rules for the particular edition rather than assuming every honour is chosen only by fans. Our World Cup 2026 awards list identifies the tournament’s individual winners.
How to use FIFA sources
Use official squad documents to confirm selection, match reports to check results and award announcements to identify winners. A squad place alone does not establish that a player appeared in every match. Keep confirmed facts separate from your personal assessment of a player’s quality.
Sources
- FIFA organisation
- Member associations and development
- FIFA founding anniversary
- FIFA Statutes
- The IFAB’s role
- The Best award categories
Checked 4 October 2026. Independent guide; Sportimeline is not affiliated with FIFA.
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