Kuwait Football Association (KFA) chairman Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef met with FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström and FIFA global football development chief Arsène Wenger during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final held in New Jersey on July 21. The discussions centered on plans for Wenger’s upcoming visit to Kuwait, where he will review the progress of the Blue Academy, a grassroots development initiative overseen by the KFA.
The Blue Academy aims to cultivate young football talent by providing structured training programs and facilities designed to support skill development among aspiring players in Kuwait. Wenger, known for his previous role as manager of Arsenal Football Club, commended the KFA for its dedication to fostering youth football. He highlighted the importance of the academy in creating an environment conducive to nurturing future generations of athletes.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment between FIFA and the KFA to advance football development within Kuwait. Wenger’s visit is expected to include a detailed assessment of the academy’s operations, which will provide valuable insight into the region’s football infrastructure and contribute to its ongoing enhancement.