FIFA NFTs Leaves Algorand for Proprietary Blockchain

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

The move marks a significant shift in the organization’s Web3 strategy and will begin no sooner than May 20.

FIFA Collect Moves to Its Own Blockchain

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 operate 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,” states an official FIFA website, highlighting that the transition will enable new product features and performance improvements.

FIFA Collect is set to move to its own blockchain no earlier than May 20, the platform confirmed. 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.

Partnership With Algorand

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. Over 1.5 million NFTs have already been minted on it so far.

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 in the first quarter of 2025.

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

Why This Matters

This shift from Algorand signals FIFA’s focus on gaining greater control and scalability within the evolving NFT space, while reducing reliance on third-party blockchain networks.