FIFA Cuts Ties With Algorand Ahead of Its Move to Its Own EVM-Compatible Blockchain

FIFA is cutting ties with Algorand and migrating its digital collectibles platform, FIFA Collect, to its own Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchain.

The move, first announced in May, marks a significant shift in the organization’s Web3 strategy.

FIFA Collect, launched in 2022 ahead of the World Cup, originally minted its soccer-themed NFTs on Algorand, a proof-of-stake blockchain that was also named FIFA’s official blockchain partner at the time. However, the platform will soon be running on a proprietary EVM-compatible network known as the “FIFA Blockchain.”

“The FIFA Blockchain was created to support new experiences, enable wallet compatibility, and provide stronger foundations for future innovation,” an official FIFA website post explained. The transition will also enable new product features and performance improvements, it added.

FIFA Collect is set to move to its own blockchain no earlier than May 20, and the transition is not expected to cause major disruptions for users or incur additional costs.

However, Algorand-based wallets, such as Pera and Defly, will no longer be supported after the transition. To access their collectibles, users will need to switch to EVM-compatible wallets. USDC balances will still be available for withdrawal.

Further details about the FIFA Blockchain are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

FIFA and Algorand partnered in May 2022, with Algorand becoming FIFA’s official blockchain for the World Cup. This collaboration led to the launch of FIFA Collect, an NFT platform offering digital collectibles of iconic World Cup moments.

The platform has since seen the minting of more than 1.5 million NFTs. In 2023, FIFA expanded its NFT offerings by adding the Polygon blockchain, continuing to release NFTs on Algorand while also launching new collections on the OpenSea marketplace via Polygon.

While the exact reasons for FIFA ending its partnership with Algorand remain unclear, the Algorand Foundation has highlighted that NFT collectible sales have consistently thrived since the collaboration began.

In Q1 2025 alone, FIFA Collect surpassed the total NFT sales volume for all of 2024, reaching $5.62 million.

This statement may contain links to external websites and content, which are provided for convenience and may not be maintained by the Algorand Foundation. The Algorand Foundation is not responsible for the content, products, or services offered by third parties.

In 2022, FIFA chose Algorand. Fast forward to 2025, and the momentum hasn’t stopped.

In Q1 2025 alone, @FIFACollect surpassed the total NFT collectible sales volume of all of 2024.

This doesn’t include the $1.38M sales from one drop in just 3 hours in Q2.

We’re proud to have supported FIFA.

Algorand’s native ALGO token has fallen 3.5% in the past 24 hours and is currently priced at approximately $0.22, marking a nearly 93% decline from its peak of $3.28 in 2019.