## Dubai to Host 2026 FIFA Awards
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially revealed that the upcoming 2026 FIFA Awards will take place in Dubai. This announcement came during his presentation at the World Sports Summit held in the scenic emirate, a move that adds to the city’s growing reputation as a global sports hub.
### The Vision for Football
During his talk titled “The Next 90 Minutes: Charting the On-Pitch Evolution of Football,” Infantino shared FIFA’s strategic outlook and insights into the future of the sport. This presentation aimed to outline FIFA’s objectives and how they plan to steer the game forward. According to reports from Gulf News, his commentary offered a glimpse into the evolving landscape of football and its growing influence worldwide.
### Celebrating Football Excellence
The FIFA Awards, an annual event, serves as a prestigious platform to honor excellence in football. The ceremony highlights outstanding achievements by both male and female athletes, alongside recognizing exceptional managers and teams from across the globe. The winners are decided through a detailed voting process that involves contributions from fans, journalists, team captains, and national team managers. This comprehensive approach ensures that the awards reflect a fair evaluation of performances throughout the year.
### Last Year’s Highlights
The 2025 FIFA Awards were previously held in Doha, Qatar, where Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele clinched the Best Player award. His remarkable contributions during a historic treble-winning season underscored his status as one of football’s rising stars. This moment set a high bar for future contenders and added excitement to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming awards in Dubai.
### Star-Studded World Sports Summit
The World Sports Summit, taking place over two days at Madinat Jumeirah, features an impressive lineup of sporting figures. The event kicked off on Monday with speeches from notable personalities, including tennis icon Novak Djokovic, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario, and boxing heroes like Manny Pacquiao and Oleksandr Usyk. Their insights and experiences are expected to captivate sports enthusiasts and professionals alike.
On Tuesday, the summit continued its impressive showcase, featuring a range of football legends. Iconic players such as Cafu, Alessandro Del Piero, Roberto Baggio, Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta, and Fabio Cannavaro are set to share their experiences and discuss the game’s future. Additionally, the world-renowned coach Didier Deschamps will also be in attendance, alongside MMA superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov, further enriching the event’s star power.
### Spotlight on Women in Sports
In a significant move toward inclusivity, the summit is also highlighting the contributions of women in sports. Notable figures such as Tunisian tennis sensation Ons Jabeur and former NBA player Tamika Tremagio will share their stories and insights. Danita Johnson, the president of D United, joins this powerful panel, representing leading female voices in the sporting world. Their involvement underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in sports, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.
### A Growing Influence
The decision to host the FIFA Awards in Dubai reflects the city’s burgeoning role in international sports. Known for its vibrant culture and modern infrastructure, Dubai is becoming an attractive destination for major sporting events. The combination of the FIFA Awards and the World Sports Summit highlights the emirate’s commitment to promoting sports and fostering a global community.
With its diverse programming and world-class performances, the upcoming events promise to leave a lasting mark on both the sporting community and fans worldwide. The emphasis on celebration, recognition, and forward-thinking initiatives positions Dubai as a key player in the future of sports.
