Roger Hampel
Credit: PIF
In a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize football across the Americas, CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football) has announced a multi-year partnership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration is poised to accelerate the growth of football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, spanning men’s, women’s, and youth competitions at both national and club levels.
A Partnership Focused on Football Development CONCACAF PIF
The partnership between CONCACAF and PIF is more than a sponsorship deal; it is a strategic alliance aimed at fostering the development of football across the entire region. By combining resources and expertise, both organizations are committed to inspiring the next generation of football talent, enhancing the visibility of the sport, and strengthening the existing football infrastructure in the 41 member federations under CONCACAF’s umbrella.
This collaboration will specifically target key areas of development, such as youth and grassroots football. With PIF’s focus on inclusivity and youth as pillars of its sponsorship strategy, the partnership aims to increase the number of official youth championships hosted by CONCACAF. This will create a wealth of opportunities for young players to showcase their talents on an international stage, including in prestigious tournaments like the CONCACAF Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 Championships for both men and women.
Boosting Major Tournaments and Preparing for a Historic World Cup
The timing of this partnership is crucial as the region prepares to host several major football events in the coming years. Among these are the men’s and women’s CONCACAF Champions Cups, the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup™ in 2026, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
These events are expected to draw global attention, offering an unparalleled opportunity to elevate the region’s footballing standards. The partnership with PIF will ensure that these tournaments are not only successful but also leave a lasting legacy, further embedding football into the cultural fabric of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Building on Existing CONCACAF Initiatives
In addition to supporting upcoming tournaments, the PIF-CONCACAF partnership will enhance existing initiatives such as CONCACAF’s “Bigger Game” project. This initiative leverages the popularity of football to deliver educational and sports programs across local communities, aiming to build strong community partnerships, raise awareness, and amplify the voices of those benefiting from the program.
By aligning with PIF’s strategic pillars—youth, inclusivity, sustainability, and technology—this partnership will not only support the sport at the grassroots level but also ensure that football serves as a vehicle for broader social impact across the region.
Statements from Leadership
Victor Montagliani, President of CONCACAF and Vice President of FIFA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are very pleased to announce this new strategic partnership which will support the confederation in developing all levels of football across our region. This is a pivotal time for PIF to connect with football in CONCACAF. Interest in the sport is growing rapidly in our confederation and will reach new heights as major CONCACAF competitions take place over the next two years, and we get closer to the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup taking place in our region in 2026.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mohammed AlSayyad, Head of Corporate Brand at PIF, stated, “We are delighted to partner with CONCACAF as the confederation enters an exciting period. Together, we will advance a series of initiatives to create a positive and lasting impact across all CONCACAF competitions. As PIF expands its portfolio of inspiring sponsorships, our commitment to investing in sport remains constant.”
A Bright Future for Football in the Region
As CONCACAF and PIF join forces, the future of football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean looks brighter than ever. This partnership is set to create new opportunities for players, coaches, and fans alike, ensuring that the sport continues to grow and thrive in the region for years to come.
With the support of PIF, CONCACAF is not just preparing for upcoming tournaments; it is laying the groundwork for the next generation of football excellence, ensuring that the region remains a vital part of the global football landscape.
Source: PIF
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