## Overview The **International Federation of Association Football** (FIFA) is the world’s preeminent organization governing the sport of soccer (known as football outside North America)[1][3]. Headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, FIFA is the umbrella body for 211 national soccer associations, each affiliated with one of six continental confederations: Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), Europe (UEFA), North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), Oceania (OFC), and South America (CONMEBOL)[2][3]. FIFA’s mission is to promote, organize, and develop soccer globally, ensuring the sport remains accessible and upholds integrity and fair play[2]. ## History and Evolution FIFA was founded on May 21, 1904, in Paris by representatives from seven European nations—Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland—to foster unity among national soccer associations and oversee international competition[2][4]. Its first president was Robert Guérin, a French journalist[4]. Over the decades, FIFA has grown from a modest European alliance to a truly global institution, rivaling the United Nations in membership[4]. The organization’s expansion accelerated after the establishment of the first men’s World Cup in 1930, which has since become the most-watched sporting event worldwide[2][3]. ## Key Achievements FIFA’s signature accomplishment is the organization of the FIFA World Cup, held every four years, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, launched in 1991[2][3]. These tournaments generate massive global audiences and significant revenue, with FIFA reporting over $5.8 billion in revenue during the 2019–2022 cycle and ending with a $1.2 billion net surplus[2]. Beyond the World Cup, FIFA oversees a variety of other international competitions, including youth and club championships,