Relive the FMA World Gathering 2026 - Part 1: Mexico City
The 2026 FMA World Gathering got off to a remarkable start with Part 1, 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.
FMA Congress: Building the Future
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.
Among the highlights were updates on the new FMA website, the Jean-Louis Juvet Scholarship Fund, the partnership with CONFUT USA, preparations for the first-ever two-part World Gathering, and the Association's growing strategic relationships with FIFA, CIES, FIFA Member Associations, the United Nations system and other international organisations. The Congress also showcased the highest level of member engagement in the Association's history, reflected by the record number of candidates standing for the upcoming Committee elections.
Particular attention was given to the FMA Women's Initiative, presented by Lili Borisova and Thalia Mitsi. 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 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.
The Congress concluded with an engaging Open Forum, giving members the opportunity to exchange ideas on topics ranging from the North American sports landscape following the FIFA World Cup to human capital management in sport. An article with more details about the Congress will be published soon.
Bringing Alumni Together
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.
The following morning offered participants the opportunity to experience Mexico City in different ways. Some visited the ancient pyramids, others explored museums and historical sites, some organised a friendly football match, while others simply took the chance to relax before the afternoon's main event.
Later that day, 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 Collective Effort
Events like these are only possible thanks to the dedication of many people. Six of the nine elected Committee members, together with Executive Director, travelled to Mexico to lead the programme and engage with alumni throughout the event. Those who could not attend in person also played an important role in the months of preparation. The result was an event that many participants described as one of the finest FMA Gatherings to date.
The FMA would like to express its sincere gratitude to Adib Hashem (11th edition) and Brella for generously providing the official event app, which greatly enhanced communication and networking throughout the Gathering.
We also 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.
Finally, 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.
As participants departed the following day, it was not a farewell, but simply a "see you soon." For the first time in the Association's history, the FMA World Gathering has been split into two parts.
In just a few days, many alumni will reunite for Part 2 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.
