By 
Algeria has become the first African country to inaugurate a FIFA Arena mini-pitch, part of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s global initiative to install 1,000 mini-pitches and promote inclusive access to football.
This project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by creating more safe spaces for children to play, learn, and grow.
The first Algerian mini-pitch was opened at Collège Malek Haddad in eastern Algiers, with a second to follow at Ibn Joubair school in the west of the capital.
Together, the two facilities are expected to benefit around 1,500 children from local schools, grassroots teams, and community clubs.
Algeria is now the fifth country globally, and the first in Africa, to officially inaugurate a FIFA Arena, following similar openings in Georgia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Armenia.
These mini-pitches focus on underserved urban and rural areas where access to quality sports infrastructure is limited.
The initiative aims to transform the lives of millions of children by expanding access to football.
“Every child deserves a safe space to learn, play, and grow.
That’s at the heart of the FIFA Arena project,”
said FIFA President Gianni Infantino
“By welcoming Algeria into the FIFA Arena family, we take another step toward our goal of building 1,000 pitches and making football accessible to children everywhere, especially in disadvantaged areas.”
Walid Sadi, President of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), praised FIFA’s continued support for football development in Algeria.
“The two new mini-pitches reflect our joint commitment to advancing school football, which is vital for nurturing talent and securing the future of our national game.
FAF remains actively engaged in FIFA’s development programs, particularly through the Forward initiative,”
he said, referencing projects like the Tlemcen regional technical center, VAR implementation, referee training, and hosting the FIFA Series in 2024.
L-R: Walid Sadi, President of the Algerian Football Federation and Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Association Officer and Africa Regional Director
Gelson Fernandes, FIFA’s Africa Regional Director, emphasized the significance of the launch.
“Algeria’s FIFA Arena marks a milestone in grassroots football. In a country where football is a passion, these new spaces create lasting impact.
Children will play, dream, and perhaps one day become future stars.”
