FIFA is taking a bold step into the Web3 era by announcing the launch of its own EVM-compatible blockchain, marking the end of its partnership with Algorand. The move signals a major shift in FIFA’s digital asset strategy and paves the way for a more scalable and customizable blockchain ecosystem designed specifically for fan engagement and digital collectibles.
The migration will affect the widely-used FIFA Collect platform, which will move away from Algorand and adopt full support for Ethereum-standard wallets such as MetaMask.
Why Is FIFA Leaving Algorand?
FIFA Collect, launched in 2022 in collaboration with Algorand, served as the federation’s official NFT platform for World Cup-themed digital collectibles. Despite some early adoption, the technical limitations of Algorand, particularly in terms of wallet interoperability and ecosystem support, have prompted FIFA to seek a more flexible solution.
According to the official migration FAQ, the organization is shifting to an EVM-based blockchain to enable:
- Broader wallet compatibility (MetaMask, WalletConnect)
- Improved scalability and developer access
- Enhanced integration with existing Ethereum tools and dApps
This transition aligns FIFA with the same Web3 infrastructure used by most major crypto applications and NFT marketplaces.
When Is the Migration Happening?
The migration will occur before May 20, 2025, at which point support for Algorand-native wallets like Pera Wallet and Defly Wallet will be fully discontinued.
After the switch, users will be required to connect their FIFA Collect accounts via EVM-compatible wallets, primarily MetaMask or other services using WalletConnect.
FIFA has urged all users to download and configure their new wallet setup before that date to avoid disruptions in access or ownership of digital collectibles.
What Does This Mean for FIFA Collect Users?
Users will retain access to their collectibles, but only through the new EVM chain. Key points from the announcement include:
- No assets will be lost, but users must connect a new wallet to interact with FIFA Collect post-migration.
- All new platform features will be exclusive to the EVM chain, including potential future benefits like staking, gamified experiences, or resale functionality.
- FIFA has not announced any native token associated with the new chain—yet.
This shift signals a broader commitment by FIFA to build its own blockchain ecosystem, independent of third-party Layer 1 solutions.
Strategic Implications – FIFA Gets Serious About Web3
This isn’t just a technical migration. It’s a strategic statement: FIFA intends to own its Web3 infrastructure, likely as a foundation for future initiatives in digital identity, fan rewards, and even blockchain-based ticketing or games.
By moving to an EVM-native environment, FIFA joins a growing list of global brands abandoning niche blockchains in favor of Ethereum-compatible architectures, which offer better liquidity, tooling, and user familiarity.
It also reflects a growing maturity in sports + crypto integrations. Instead of relying solely on Web3 partners, FIFA is now building directly—a trend we’ve seen accelerate with NBA Top Shot’s shift toward Flow independence and UEFA’s Web3 pilot programs.
Final Thoughts
With this migration, FIFA enters a new phase of Web3 adoption, one where it controls the tech stack and aligns more closely with the broader Ethereum ecosystem. It’s a clear win for accessibility and future interoperability—but also a clear loss for Algorand, which now loses one of its most prominent partners.For users, the message is clear: if you want to stay in the FIFA Web3 game, it’s time to switch wallets and get EVM-ready.
