FIFA Master Alumni (FMA) World Gathering 2026: Mexico City at FIFA World Cup 2026™
The 2026 FMA World Gathering got off to a remarkable start held in Mexico City on 29–30 June.
More than 40 alumni, representing editions from the 1st to the 24th FIFA Master, came together for two unforgettable days of professional, cultural, sporting and social activities, once again demonstrating the strength, diversity and spirit of our global alumni community.
The celebrations actually began on 28 June, when many participants attended an exhilarating evening of Lucha Libre at the iconic Arena México. Full of colour, energy and tradition, it was a memorable introduction to Mexican culture and the perfect way to kick off the Gathering.
On 29 June, alumni gathered for the annual FMA Congress, where Committee members reflected on another remarkable year for the Association and welcomed participants before the Committee presented a comprehensive review of the FMA's achievements and its vision for the future.
Particular attention was given to the FMA Women's Initiative, presented by Lili Borisova (17th edition) and Thalia Mitsi (6th edition) . Their inspiring presentation outlined the work already undertaken to strengthen networking, mentoring, visibility and career development opportunities for women across the FIFA Master community, while inviting alumni from every edition to help shape the initiative's next chapter.
Adil Abrahim ( 22nd edition) also presented the exciting progress of the FMA's landmark collaboration with the United Nations Youth Office and NO MORE. The initiative, One World, One Game, One Goal, will use football as a platform to promote youth mental health and well-being while contributing to the prevention of gender-based violence in the lead-up to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 in Brazil.
This year's Gathering was also held alongside the inaugural gathering of the CIES University Network Alumni (CIES-UNA), creating a unique opportunity for alumni from both communities to connect. Following the Congress, participants attended an outstanding conference on Mexican sport organised by CIES, featuring distinguished speakers including the President of the Mexican Football Federation, the President of the World Boxing Council and president of the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (Mexican traditional wrestling). The day concluded with a wonderful joint dinner, where members of both associations enjoyed an evening of authentic Mexican culture, complete with spectacular folkloric performances and mariachi musicians.
On 30th of June, most alumni headed to the legendary Azteca Stadium to watch the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador. Sharing the excitement of a World Cup match together created yet another unforgettable memory for everyone in attendance.
A very special thank you goes to Gerardo Saldívar (5th edition), whose passion, dedication and local knowledge were instrumental in bringing this event to life. From selecting the venues to coordinating the professional programme and the cultural experiences, Gerardo infused every aspect of the Gathering with an authentic Mexican flavour. Thanks to him, participants experienced not only an outstanding event, but also the warmth, colour and hospitality of Mexico—something everyone will remember for years to come.
Some alumni will reunite for in New York and New Jersey. The programme promises to be just as memorable, featuring a historic event at the United Nations Headquarters, participation at Confut USA, and, for many, the opportunity to attend the FIFA World Cup Final together as a group for the very first time
We extend our heartfelt thanks to CIES for its continued trust and support of the FIFA Master Alumni Association. Beyond its longstanding institutional backing, CIES played a central role in organising much of the two-day programme and in making this unique joint gathering with the CIES University Network Alumni possible.
(source : https://www.fifama.org/ )
FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked Europe's No.1 course a record 13 times by SportBusiness.
Organised by CIES in cooperation with De Montfort University (UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).
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