FIFA Blockchain: How the Avalanche-powered platform just changed sports fandom forever

FIFA blockchain is rewriting the rules of global fan engagement. On May 22, 2025, FIFA announced it had dropped Algorand and partnered with Avalanche to launch its own Layer-1 blockchain, and the sports world hasn’t stopped buzzing since.

The new FIFA blockchain is a custom-built Avalanche Layer-1 network offering sub-second transactions, near-zero fees, and full compatibility with popular Ethereum wallets. It marks a seismic shift in how the world’s most-followed sport embraces Web3 technology.

FIFA Blockchain Ushers in a New Digital Era

FIFA blockchain immediately replaces its previous tech partner, Algorand, ending the relationship forged before the 2022 Qatar World Cup. In its place, Avalanche offers scalability, transaction speed (up to 6,500 TPS), and customization — critical pillars for global-scale fan applications.

“FIFA’s decision to launch its L1 on Avalanche is a testament to our technology’s ability to support global-scale applications with speed, flexibility, and security,” said John Nahas, Chief Business Officer at Ava Labs.

According to Ava Labs, FIFA blockchain outpaces competitors thanks to:

• Enterprise-grade speed exceeding 6,500 transactions per second

• Customizability to align with FIFA’s evolving digital strategy

• Low fees and EVM compatibility for wallet accessibility

• Security and scalability for billions of users

Francesco Abbate, CEO of Modex and the FIFA Collect platform, emphasized, “This decision followed a rigorous review of scalability, security, fees, and infrastructure customization. Avalanche stood out on every metric.”

FIFA Collect Migration Begins May 20

FIFA blockchain’s first major integration begins with the migration of FIFA Collect, its NFT marketplace. Starting May 20, 2025, assets will transition from Algorand to Avalanche’s infrastructure.

Users will no longer be able to access FIFA Collect via Pera or Defly wallets. Instead, MetaMask and other EVM-compatible wallets will support access through WalletConnect. Collectible listings will auto-transfer unless users remove them pre-migration.

This move is designed to simplify the user experience while unlocking FIFA blockchain’s full performance potential.

While FIFA has not detailed the complete roadmap, early signals point to digital collectibles, immersive fan experiences, and possibly tokenized ticketing or real-time match interactions.

This expansion builds on prior Web3 steps, like the 2022 NFT launch and the 2024 release of FIFA Rivals, a mobile game developed in partnership with Mythical Games.

The AVAX token surged in trading volume after the announcement, a sign of investor confidence in FIFA blockchain’s long-term impact.

Why FIFA Blockchain Matters in the Bigger Picture

FIFA’s entry into Layer-1 architecture is more than a tech upgrade — it’s a strategic transformation. It reflects a broader movement across global sports organizations toward Web3-based fan economies.

The NBA’s Top Shot, NFL’s blockchain ticketing, and MLB’s digital cards all paved the way. But none match the scale or ambition of FIFA blockchain, given the organization’s reach to over five billion football fans.

Avalanche, the network backing FIFA blockchain, has been on a roll. Its 2024 partnership with Alipay to build a Web3 voucher system showed its enterprise readiness.

Now, with FIFA, Avalanche solidifies its place as a top-tier player in the next phase of blockchain adoption.

“This is not just a milestone for FIFA, but for the entire blockchain industry,” said Emin Gün Sirer, founder of Avalanche and a long-time advocate for mainstream blockchain scalability.

FIFA blockchain is more than a digital infrastructure — it’s the foundation of how billions of fans will interact with the beautiful game for years to come.

As migration begins and platforms evolve, one thing is certain: FIFA has just scored one of the biggest goals in Web3 history. The Bit Gazette will continue to observe the market and report as events unfold.