FIFA Forward supported the building of the new headquarters
Football Association of Macau, China, has its own home for the first time – 48 years after joining FIFA
Gianni Infantino becomes first FIFA President to visit Macau, China
Gianni Infantino has attended the inauguration of a new headquarters for the Football Association of Macau, China (AFM), which has been built with the support of the FIFA Forward programme.
“It was a pleasure to be the first FIFA President to visit beautiful Macau, China, on what was a truly great day for football, marking the inauguration of the new Headquarters of the Football Association of Macau, China,” said Mr Infantino, who was joined by AFM Vice President Coc Veng Chong at the ceremony.
“After almost 50 years of FIFA membership, the Football Association of Macau, China, has its own home, supported by the FIFA Forward programme. This will bring more hope, opportunities, and dreams for girls, boys, and children across the region.”
He added: “My big thanks to the leadership of the Football Association of Macau, China, including President Vitor Cheung, Vice President Coc Veng Chong and General Secretary Chan Keng Hou, for your work, and to those present today for a great discussion about our future.”
The FIFA President also met the U-15 team who are preparing to play at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ in Azerbaijan from 24 to 30 October 2026. Macau will play in Group S against Cayman Islands, Egypt, Iraq, Saint Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago, giving their young players an invaluable early test of international football against teams from other regions.
“Macau, China, will shine on the global stage, and I wish the team we met today good luck as they get ready for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival this month, because football belongs to everyone, everywhere,” Mr Infantino said.
Similarly, the senior men’s national team were given experience of facing teams from other parts of the world when they played in the FIFA Series 2026™ in Rwanda in March 2026 and faced Aruba and Tanzania.
The AFM has also benefitted from the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, placing a strong focus on talent identification and the professional development of coaching staff. The AFM has prioritised youth competitions in the U-8 and U-12 categories, which helps staff to identify children with high potential and select them for more focused training.