In a landmark initiative, the Odisha government, in collaboration with FIFA and AIFF, inaugurated the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The inauguration took place during the India vs Qatar encounter in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 joint qualification campaign. Chief of Global Football Development at FIFA, Arsene Wenger, participated in the inauguration. The academy aims to promote football in India, with the Odisha government pledging support for football projects in partnership with AIFF. The academy will select 50 talented under-14 football players nationwide, including 15 from Odisha, and will be led by a FIFA-appointed coach supported by AIFF and Odisha government staff.
In a landmark initiative, the Odisha government, in collaboration with FIFA and AIFF, inaugurated the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The inauguration took place during the India vs Qatar encounter in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 joint qualification campaign. Chief of Global Football Development at FIFA, Arsene Wenger, participated in the inauguration. The academy aims to promote football in India, with the Odisha government pledging support for football projects in partnership with AIFF. The academy will select 50 talented under-14 football players nationwide, including 15 from Odisha, and will be led by a FIFA-appointed coach supported by AIFF and Odisha government staff.
