FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art football stadium in Gaza, marking a significant step in the war-torn region’s reconstruction. The project, with an estimated cost of $50 million, was unveiled during the inaugural meeting of the newly formed “Board of Peace” at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.
The Board has been established to ensure international cooperation in rebuilding Gaza, and FIFA’s involvement reflects the organisation’s belief in football as a catalyst for hope and social cohesion.
“The task is not only to rebuild houses, schools, hospitals, or roads,” Infantino said, “but to restore people’s hope, emotions, and faith. Football has the power to do that.”
Stadium and Facilities
The proposed stadium will accommodate between 20,000 and 25,000 spectators and will be complemented by a FIFA Academy aimed at nurturing young talent in the region. Beyond the main stadium, the project also includes the development of numerous football facilities to expand grassroots participation.
According to the Associated Press, the plan includes:
| Facility Type | Number of Fields | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Small football pitches | 50 | Community and youth engagement |
| Full-size football fields | 5 | Professional and training matches |
| FIFA Academy | 1 | Talent development and coaching programmes |
| Main Stadium | 1 | Large-scale matches and events (20,000–25,000 capacity) |
These investments are intended to provide both immediate recreational opportunities and long-term sporting infrastructure, fostering resilience and community spirit among Gazans.
International Support
The announcement coincided with a major pledge from the United States. President Donald Trump committed $10 billion towards Gaza’s reconstruction. An additional seven billion dollars has been promised by nine other countries, while five nations have expressed interest in sending troops to support an international stability mission.
Although Gaza does not maintain a separate national football team, FIFA has recognised a unified Palestinian team representing both Gaza and the West Bank since 1998. This new stadium and associated facilities are expected to further bolster the visibility of football in the region and provide a unifying platform for young players.
The $50 million project is not merely an investment in sport; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and international collaboration aimed at restoring normalcy to a region long affected by conflict.