FIFA Moves to Ethereum-Compatible Blockchain in a Major Win for Web3 Sports

As FIFA migrates its digital collectibles to a new EVM-compatible blockchain, the move reflects a deeper transformation in how sports organizations are using blockchain to create new revenue streams and redefine fan interaction.

The world’s most popular sport is making a decisive move into the digital frontier. On April 30, FIFA announced the upcoming launch of its own Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchain, marking a major upgrade for its digital collectibles platform, FIFA Collect. The new blockchain will replace the current infrastructure on Algorand, a change scheduled to begin no earlier than May 20, 2025.

This shift places FIFA more directly in the ecosystem of Ethereum-compatible platforms and wallets like MetaMask, a clear sign that the organization is aligning itself with more widely used blockchain standards. But the transition is not just about technical compatibility. It signals a broader commitment by FIFA to deepen its presence in the Web3 space, following its recent ventures into blockchain gaming and digital fan experiences.

Why the move from Algorand to EVM matters

FIFA’s migration from Algorand to its own EVM-compatible blockchain is primarily a scalability and interoperability play. While Algorand is known for speed and low fees, it has struggled to build the same developer and user ecosystem as EVM-based blockchains. By moving to a network compatible with Ethereum tools, FIFA positions itself to tap into the broader infrastructure of the Ethereum ecosystem, including wallets, marketplaces, and developer support.

According to FIFA’s official announcement, the migration aims to offer “better performance, future features, and improved scalability” for its NFT platform. Once complete, users will no longer use Algorand-native wallets like Pera or Defly, but instead connect via MetaMask and other WalletConnect-compatible options. FIFA has confirmed that collectibles will automatically transfer unless users manually delist them before the cut-off.

“By embracing EVM standards, FIFA is opening the door to wider participation and greater innovation across its digital initiatives,” says Amy Kalnoki, COO of Bitwave, a Web3 accounting and compliance firm. “This is a necessary move for any global organization looking to scale digital asset engagement.”

Sports and blockchain are becoming more deeply connected

FIFA’s blockchain pivot is part of a larger movement that is redefining how fans interact with sports. Over the last three years, professional leagues and organizations have embraced NFTs, digital ticketing, fan tokens, and Web3 gaming, transforming passive spectators into engaged participants with digital ownership.

This transformation is backed by data. According to Deloitte’s 2024 report on sports innovation, nearly $2 billion was spent globally on sports-related NFTs and blockchain gaming items in 2023, and that figure is projected to grow by 35 percent annually through 2027. For younger demographics, digital collectibles and gaming now rival traditional merchandising in terms of cultural value.

FIFA, whose global tournaments attract over 3.5 billion viewers, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this shift. Its FIFA Collect NFTs debuted ahead of the 2023 Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, offering fans limited-edition digital items. While the initial rollout was modest in scale, the pivot to a more scalable blockchain suggests a long-term commitment to building a Web3-native fan experience.

FIFA Rivals could bring blockchain gaming to the masses

Parallel to its NFT efforts, FIFA is also investing in blockchain-based gaming. In November 2024, the organization announced a partnership with Mythical Games to launch FIFA Rivals, a free-to-play football management game that integrates blockchain technology.

Scheduled for full release in summer 2025, FIFA Rivals lets players build and manage their own football clubs, trade players, and compete in real time. The game runs on Mythos, a Web3 infrastructure built by Mythical Games and secured by the Polkadot network.

The pre-release is expected to launch in May 2025, and interest is already surging. Mythical Games’ CEO John Linden stated that based on engagement with NFL Rivals, which attracted over 6 million players, the FIFA title could realistically bring in more than 100 million users.

“The global reach of football is unparalleled,” Linden said. “With the right game mechanics and onboarding, FIFA Rivals has the potential to be the largest Web3 gaming title ever released.”

Why this is good news for crypto adoption

Beyond FIFA, this strategy bodes well for the broader blockchain industry. One of crypto’s most persistent challenges is onboarding mainstream users. Sports, with its massive fanbases and built-in emotional engagement, offers one of the few natural bridges between traditional entertainment and blockchain-based ownership.

By embedding NFTs and digital assets into experiences that already matter to fans, organizations like FIFA are normalizing the use of Web3 wallets, digital collectibles, and token-based access models. And with the shift to EVM compatibility, FIFA is ensuring that its blockchain experiences will work within the infrastructure that many users already trust and understand.

MetaMask, for example, surpassed 30 million monthly active users in 2024. EVM-compatible chains collectively represent the majority of developer activity in the crypto space. By joining that environment, FIFA removes friction for fans and unlocks a far broader community of creators and builders.

Blockchain in sports is here to stay

For fans, the transition to a new blockchain means better wallet support, faster transactions, and potentially richer digital experiences. As FIFA expands its digital offerings, users may gain access to NFT-powered in-game items, exclusive event passes, and loyalty perks tied to blockchain ownership.

For the crypto space, having a global sports authority like FIFA building on-chain adds credibility. It reflects the maturation of blockchain tools and signals to other industries that Web3 is no longer a fringe experiment but a usable and scalable platform for entertainment and engagement.

That momentum is already visible. In the past year:

• Formula 1, the NBA, and UFC have launched or expanded blockchain partnerships
• Over 40% of Gen Z sports fans in the US and Europe have interacted with digital sports collectibles or fan tokens
• Sports NFTs traded over $1.6 billion in value during 2023

A global sports organisation redefines digital fan experiences

The launch of FIFA’s Ethereum-compatible blockchain is not just a platform upgrade. It is the beginning of a broader strategy that places digital assets at the center of FIFA’s future fan engagement. With FIFA Collect, FIFA Rivals, and other blockchain initiatives on the horizon, the organisation is laying the groundwork for a fully integrated digital ecosystem.

As more fans adopt wallets and interact with blockchain-native content, the gap between crypto and culture continues to shrink. FIFA’s move may not just change how football fans experience the game. It could change how millions of people first discover and begin using blockchain.

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