FIFA is now running its own blockchain on Avalanche. After using Algorand for earlier Web3 efforts, the organization decided it was time to build something more tailored. This new Layer 1 gives FIFA the control and flexibility it needs to support digital collectibles, games, and fan experiences, all in one place.
Why Fifa switched to a custom blockchain
This isn’t FIFA’s first time working with blockchain. They started back in 2022 with FIFA Collect on Algorand. But over time, the limits of that setup became more obvious. Algorand isn’t compatible with Ethereum tools, so fans had trouble connecting with the platform using wallets they already knew, like MetaMask for example. And when traffic spiked, like during a World Cup for instance, there wasn’t much flexibility to handle it. For a global organization trying to serve millions at once, that was a problem.
By launching its own chain on Avalanche, FIFA now has more control over everything: how digital assets are created, how fans interact with them, and how developers plug into the system. That control matters, especially when you’re dealing with a fan base of more than five billion people. It also means fans can actually own their digital items, without relying on a middleman or having to trust whatever platform they’re using
How FIFA built its new ecosystem
The new chain is a Layer 1 on Avalanche. That means it’s not just another app running on top of something, but rather it’s its own blockchain, with its own rules, connected to the Avalanche network. FIFA can adjust things like transaction speed, cost, and validator setup, while still making everything compatible with Ethereum-compatible wallets like MetaMask.
The transition started with FIFA Collect. All the collectibles were moved over to the new chain, and the difference is clear: faster transactions, lower fees, and much better wallet support. For fans, it’s just easier to use. For developers, it’s now easier to build.
FIFA is also launching a new game called FIFA Rivals, in partnership with Mythical Games. It’s more of a fantasy-style football game, with NFTs that players can trade or earn and actually use across platforms. That kind of interoperability wasn’t possible before. Now it is.
What problem did they solve?
The main issue was fragmentation. FIFA had projects scattered across different platforms, with no shared infrastructure and no easy way to link things together. Each new project meant starting from scratch. That slowed everything down and made the experience worse for users.
Now, with a single blockchain, FIFA has a foundation to build on. Collectibles, games, tokens; they can all live on the same system. That cuts down development time and makes the whole ecosystem feel more connected.
It also makes new ideas possible. NFTs can now unlock real-world benefits, like match tickets or exclusive content. Games can issue rewards that work across apps. Outside developers can build things that plug directly into FIFA’s world. None of that was really practical before.
At first glance, launching a custom blockchain might seem like a technical upgrade. But really, the goal is to give fans and builders a better way to connect with football, that is faster, more open, and finally all in one place.