India Joins FIFA Women's Development Programme for 2026

India Selected for FIFA Women's Development Initiative

On Wednesday, India was announced as one of the twelve nations chosen by FIFA to participate in the FIFA Women's Development Programme (Commercial Strategy 2026). The other selected countries include Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania, and Paraguay, according to a statement from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

FIFA confirmed India's participation following an application from the AIFF, which was succeeded by a comprehensive presentation detailing the commercial strategy and plans. The programme is set to take place online from May to October 2026, with FIFA customizing the course for various stakeholders involved in women's football throughout the nation.

With the AIFF now supported by a commercial partner, this initiative aims to provide clubs with essential tools and knowledge to establish sustainable models. It also prepares them for the forthcoming women's club licensing system that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) intends to implement.

AIFF Expresses Optimism Over the Initiative

M. Satyanarayan, the Deputy Secretary General of AIFF, expressed enthusiasm about the timing of this initiative, stating, "This is an ideal moment for us to enhance the commercial aspects of women's football in India. The qualification of our women's teams (senior, U20, and U17) for the AFC Asian Cups in their respective categories highlights our potential, and the ASMITA U13 Women's Football League has laid a strong foundation at the youth level."

He further added, "With clubs receiving training on developing commercial strategies, securing sponsorships, and engaging fans, the entire ecosystem will benefit. We are thrilled to be selected for this initiative by FIFA and anticipate that clubs and stakeholders in women's football will gain significantly from it, especially with IWL clubs soon facing club licensing requirements set by the AFC."