FIFA will lead efforts to raise $75 million to rebuild football facilities in Gaza destroyed by the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, United States President Donald Trump and the sport’s governing body announced on Thursday.
The announcement was made in Washington at the inaugural meeting of Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace”, a group of close allies aimed at post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza.
Soccer as a Vehicle for Recovery
“I’m also pleased to announce that FIFA will be helping to raise a total of $75 million for projects in Gaza,” Trump said, highlighting that the focus would be on football fields and facilities, with involvement from world-renowned soccer stars.
Trump added, addressing FIFA President Gianni Infantino, “So it’s really something. We’ll soon be detailing the announcement, and if I can do I’ll get over there with you.”
FIFA later released a statement outlining plans for a football academy, a 20,000-seat national stadium, and dozens of pitches to support youth development and community engagement. While the organisation did not confirm Trump’s $75 million figure, it emphasised that funds would be raised from international leaders and institutions.
Infantino called the initiative “a landmark partnership agreement that will foster investment into football for the purpose of helping the recovery process in post-conflict areas.”
Context of the Initiative
The Board of Peace was established following a ceasefire negotiated by the Trump administration, Qatar, and Egypt in October 2025, ending two years of intense conflict in Gaza. The United States has since focused on disarming Hamas, whose attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, escalated the region’s violence.
Infantino, who has cultivated close ties with Trump — including awarding him a FIFA “Peace Prize” at the World Cup draw in December — attended the meeting wearing a red cap emblazoned with “USA” and “45-47,” referencing Trump’s presidential terms.
The initiative aims to combine sport, diplomacy, and international investment to support Gaza’s post-war recovery, using football as a tool for community rebuilding and youth engagement.
