The Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has announced a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to elevate football development across the region.
The multi-year collaboration will focus on bolstering grassroots football, expanding youth championships, and nurturing young talent. By investing in programs like the CONCACAF under-15, under-17, and under-20 championships for both men and women, the partnership aims to create more opportunities for aspiring footballers.
Commenting on the occasion, Victor Montagliani, CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President, said, “We are very pleased to announce this new strategic partnership which will support the confederation in developing all levels of football across our region.
“This is a pivotal time for PIF to connect with football in CONCACAF. Interest in the sport is growing rapidly in our confederation and will reach new heights as major CONCACAF competitions take place over the next two years, and we get closer to the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup taking place in our region in 2026.”
Mohammed AlSayyad, Head of Corporate Brand at PIF, added, “We are delighted to partner with CONCACAF as the confederation enters an exciting period. Together, we will advance a series of initiatives to create a positive and lasting impact across all CONCACAF competitions. As PIF expands its portfolio of inspiring sponsorships, our commitment to investing in sport remains constant.”
The partnership between PIF and CONCACAF marks a significant milestone for football development in the region and is expected to drive positive change for years to come.
This collaboration builds on PIF’s growing presence in the sports industry. Notably, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia has also secured the naming rights for the ATP Rankings and partnered with various tournaments through its earlier partnership with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
Additionally, PIF’s investments in sports extend beyond tennis. In October 2021, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia marked its entry into the Premier League (PL) with a £300 million investment in Newcastle United FC. Furthermore, PIF’s division, Golf Saudi, played a key role in establishing the LIV Golf professional tour (formerly known as the Super Golf League) through LIV Golf Investments.
The partnership will also contribute to enhancing the profile and impact of CONCACAF tournaments, benefiting both national teams and clubs. As the region prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the United States, Canada and Mexico, this collaboration is expected to significantly accelerate football’s growth in North and Central America, and the Caribbean.