FIFA is rolling out its own EVM-compatible blockchain infrastructure, dubbed the FIFA Blockchain, with the migration of FIFA Collect scheduled to begin no earlier than May 20. The transition marks a major move away from Algorand, as the global football body shifts toward greater ecosystem control and future-proof scalability.
According to the official migration notice, the upgrade aims to improve platform performance, introduce EVM wallet support, and prepare for upcoming product launches—without disrupting users’ access to their existing digital collectibles.
Migration Mechanics and User Guidance
FIFA confirmed that all on-platform assets will be migrated automatically, as long as they haven’t been exported to external wallets. Any collectibles moved off FIFA Collect must be reimported before the migration deadline to be included in the switch.
While users aren’t required to take action immediately, the platform plans to issue detailed instructions as the migration begins, which will involve a 12-hour service downtime. Listed collectibles will remain active unless manually delisted by their owners.
Wallet Compatibility Moves to MetaMask and EVM
One of the most notable shifts is wallet compatibility. The FIFA Blockchain will no longer support Algorand-based wallets like Pera and Defly. Instead, users will need to connect via MetaMask or any WalletConnect-enabled EVM wallet.
In terms of currency handling, USDC balances will be available for withdrawal after the move, but will no longer be usable within the new platform. FIFA emphasized that no fees will be charged for the migration of existing NFTs.
A Bigger Play: FIFA Expands Blockchain Ambitions
This infrastructure change is more than just technical—it signals FIFA’s next phase of digital transformation. After launching FIFA Rivals in partnership with Mythical Games last year, the organization is now positioning itself to expand deeper into blockchain gaming and tokenized economies.
FIFA Rivals, a real-time, free-to-play mobile title, is being built on Mythos, a Polkadot-based blockchain that already powers the popular NFL Rivals game. It promises player-owned digital assets, competitive team management, and in-game trading, drawing inspiration from Mythical’s earlier success with Blankos Block Party.
From NFTs to Full Ecosystem Control
The shift from Algorand to a proprietary blockchain architecture underscores a broader trend in Web3: major sports brands are no longer just dabbling in NFTs—they’re building digital ecosystems. By controlling their own chain, FIFA gains greater leverage over licensing, transaction dynamics, and user data governance.
What began as digital memorabilia may evolve into a unified, blockchain-powered engagement layer—where fandom, gameplay, identity, and commerce are all interconnected.
For users and collectors, the message is clear: get your assets ready, because FIFA’s Web3 era is no longer experimental—it’s structural.
