Guyana is pursuing plans to host a major regional football tournament in 2027, following discussions between President Irfaan Ali and FIFA President Gianni Infantino aimed at expanding the country’s role in Caribbean football.
The proposed competition is intended to attract leading regional teams, international television coverage and commercial investment, while creating opportunities for local players, businesses and the wider sporting economy.
During discussions at State House on November 5, Ali said formal planning should begin before the end of this year, with the possibility of developing the tournament in Guyana for an initial three-year period before expanding it across the Caribbean.
“We need to bring a tournament that is world-class, high-class, that commands the attention of the region, commands the attention of the Western Hemisphere, they get into the television rights and get into the FIFA ecosystem,” Ali said.
He argued that football should be treated not only as a sporting activity but also as an economic opportunity capable of generating employment, investment and social development.
The discussions took place during Infantino’s visit to Guyana, which also featured the launch of FIFA Arena infrastructure at Haslington, East Coast Demerara.
The Government and FIFA have also agreed to collaborate on establishing 10 artificial-turf mini-football pitches across Guyana, expanding an initial FIFA proposal for two facilities.
The additional pitches are intended to widen access to football facilities, particularly for young people and communities outside Georgetown. The government has indicated that the facilities could be distributed across the country’s ten administrative regions.
One of the mini-pitches was officially inaugurated at Haslington, while another has been developed at Retrieve, Linden.
Infantino said investment in infrastructure and grassroots opportunities was essential to helping young footballers from smaller countries develop their potential.
“Football is for everyone, everywhere. What is missing for a boy or a girl born in this part of the world to have more opportunities and chances to become one of the top players? What is missing is infrastructure and competitions. And we will invest together in both,” Infantino said.
The FIFA Arena programme forms part of the international governing body’s initiative to establish at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by 2031.
Guyana’s wider football development plans also include work on the D’Urban Park Stadium project, which is expected to provide an 8,000-to-12,000-seat venue, alongside improvements to the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre.
FIFA has previously invested US$2.42 million through its FIFA Forward programme to support improvements at the National Training Centre, including installation of an artificial playing surface, floodlights and other facilities.
The proposed regional tournament would represent another step in efforts to increase Guyana’s visibility in international football. However, details concerning participating countries, competition format, financing and scheduling have yet to be finalised.
The discussions signal an ambition to position Guyana as a regional football destination, with the proposed competition expected to move into a planning phase before the end of 2026.
