Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef: FIFA support is key to Kuwait soccer development

KFA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

ZURICH, Sept. 12: FIFA continues to support the development of soccer in Kuwait through a series of initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening the game, promoting sustainable growth, and expanding opportunities for young players, particularly in women’s football and futsal.

According to a FIFA report, its support goes beyond technical assistance to include strategic planning, funding, and development programs designed to strengthen Kuwait’s football structure. The initiatives have provided greater opportunities for players and young talents to compete and gain valuable experience, while supporting the Kuwait Football Association’s long-term plans for the game.

The men’s national team remains one of the key indicators of Kuwait’s progress. Following its participation in the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, Kuwait is set to return to the AFC Asian Cup, marking its first appearance in the continental tournament since 2015.

The report also highlights Kuwait’s renewed international ambitions, with the national team targeting a return to the FIFA World Cup after its historic appearance in 1982, as preparations begin for the qualifying campaign for the 2030 tournament.

Women’s football is another major area of development highlighted by FIFA.

Kuwait was one of three countries selected in 2018 to take part in the pilot phase of FIFA’s Women’s Football Strategy. FIFA funding helped support the implementation of the strategy in Kuwait, producing significant developments on the ground.

Among the most notable achievements was the launch of the country’s first national women’s futsal league. The initiative helped raise the profile of women’s sport and contributed to changing perceptions of women’s participation in football.

The league reached its final in 2022, attracting around 1,100 spectators. The event was also broadcast locally, marking an important milestone for women’s sport in Kuwait and reflecting growing official and public interest.

FIFA also highlighted its Football for Schools program, which was launched in Kuwait in February 2024. The initiative aims to give girls greater opportunities to participate in sport while involving female teachers and coaches in training and development.

As part of the KFA’s 2030 vision, the program has also been linked to FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS), creating a pathway for identifying and developing young players from an early age and preparing them for potential professional careers.

In a message included in the report, the KFA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah stressed that FIFA’s continued support is a key driver of football development in Kuwait and of efforts to establish sustainable foundations across the sport — from national teams and women’s football to schools and talent development.

The report presents Kuwait’s football development as a gradual upward journey, combining stronger continental and international ambitions with broader grassroots participation, greater opportunities for women, and the development of a new generation of talented players.