Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Nation’s first FIFA Arena opens in Alabama ahead of 2026 World Cup
Reading time: 3 minutes
With 10 weeks to go before the 2026 Men’s World Cup kicks off, FIFA came to town to put a spotlight on the Magic City. And we promise it wasn’t an April Fools Day joke.
U.S. Soccer partnered with Birmingham native Chris Richards along with Birmingham Legion FC, Soccer Forward Foundation and Kulture City to unveil the nation’s first FIFA Arena right here in Birmingham.
“I hope it’s an inspiration. I wish I had somebody from Birmingham who was doing this when I was growing up. Now that I can be that person, hopefully it inspires the next generation to pick up a soccer ball or just to be active.”
Chris Richards, US Soccer playe
A crowd gathered Wednesday afternoon at the Powell Avenue Steam Plant to celebrate the official opening of the first FIFA Arena.
The location, which came from a land donation by KultureCity, is now home to the temporary small-sided FIFA pitch in the heart of the city.
Richards, who is also part of the ownership group for Birmingham Legion FC, said he wanted to make sure the field was placed somewhere so every part of the community could access it easily.
Richards personally sponsored the project but he was not the only one involved during Wednesday’s festivities. Others in attendance included:
- Randall Woodfin, Birmingham mayor
- Jay Heaps, CEO and head coach of Birmingham Legion
- Lex Chalat, Executive Director, Soccer Forward Foundation
- Niko Nhouvannasak, FIFA Arena Team Lead
- Karishma Inayat, Project Coordinator
There was also a virtual appearance from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“What perfect momentum for the first FIFA Arena just 72 days before the start of the FIFA World Cup. We highlight the importance of grassroots and youth development for a big, diverse and football-loving city like Birmingham, Alabama.”
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
Youth soccer players from NorthStar Soccer ministries got to be the first to take the field Wednesday.
And they even got to play against Richards and Heaps in the first official game at the FIFA Arena.
“This is a true investment from (Chris Richards). He came to us and said ‘there’s a need for more places to play in my hometown, how can we make that happen?’ He truly drove this project, we’re just really grateful to be able to support him in that.”
Lex Chalat, Soccer Forward Foundation
Birmingham Legion will host programs and camps at the arena.
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