In the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, where entire neighborhoods lie in rubble and basic necessities like homes, roads, and electricity are critically damaged, an unexpected pledge has emerged: FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, is offering $50 million to build a new national stadium. This announcement came during a display of political theater at the inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump's Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Gaza's Dire Infrastructure Needs
The Gaza Strip faces immense challenges in rebuilding after over two years of intense fighting between Hamas and Israel. Critical infrastructure, including water and sewage facilities, electrical grids, and roads, has been severely compromised, raising serious questions about how to prevent widespread starvation and restore normalcy. Entire city areas have been reduced to ruins, with the priority for many being the reconstruction of essential services rather than sports facilities.
FIFA's Ambitious Soccer Project
Despite the pressing need for basics, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the role of soccer in fostering hope and unity. "We don’t have to just rebuild houses or schools or hospitals or roads," Infantino stated. "We also have to rebuild and build people, emotion, hope, and trust. And this is what football, my sport, is about."
The $50 million stadium is designed to hold between 20,000 and 25,000 spectators. In addition, FIFA plans to invest $15 million in a FIFA academy, $2.5 million for 50 "arena mini pitches" or soccer fields, and $5 million for five full-sized fields. These initiatives aim to create a "complete football ecosystem" in Gaza, supporting youth, amateur, and regional leagues.
Political Context and Trump's Involvement
The pledge was part of a larger Gaza relief package, where nine governments committed $7 billion, and five others agreed to deploy troops as part of an international stabilization force. The Board of Peace event, brokered by the White House as part of a ceasefire effort, saw unusual moments, including President Trump singling out Infantino during his remarks.
Trump praised Infantino, noting, "Virtually everyone is the head of a country," while adding that Infantino is "head of soccer, so that’s not so bad." He even joked, "I like your job the best, I think." Attendees were given Make America Great Again-style red hats with "USA" and "45-47" to signify Trump's two terms, which Infantino briefly wore.
Symbolism and Controversy
Infantino highlighted soccer as a "universal language" that brings hope, joy, and unity. A video presentation proclaimed, "A simple ball. A shared field. A reason to believe again," emphasizing FIFA's goal to "turn football into a bridge toward peace, dignity, and hope." However, Gaza currently lacks a national soccer team; a unified Palestinian squad represents it and the West Bank, recognized by FIFA since 1998 but never qualifying for the World Cup.
Trump's effusive praise for Infantino included references to a FIFA peace prize awarded to Trump last year, after he was snubbed by the Nobel Peace Prize committee. "I think they saw that I got screwed by Norway," Trump remarked, adding to the event's surreal tone.
Broader Implications and Criticisms
While FIFA's investment aims to inspire and rebuild community spirit, it raises questions about priorities in a region where basic survival needs are unmet. The juxtaposition of a gleaming stadium against a backdrop of devastation underscores the complex interplay between sports diplomacy and humanitarian crises. As Gaza struggles to recover, this $50 million pledge may symbolize hope for some, but for others, it highlights a disconnect between international gestures and on-the-ground realities.
