What is the FIFA Series, the newest international tournament? Teams, format, venues…

The March international break will see the launch of the FIFA Series, a new international soccer competition in which some of the world’s ‘lower’ ranked teams, with one or two exceptions, will face each other in a number of different countries. Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric will be the highest-profile participant in the inaugural edition, in which Croatia are the highest ranked team.

Six separate four-team series will be played in five different countries, with nations playing two friendly matches against two opponents in their tournament. The 2024 FIFA Series will be held in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt and Sri Lanka, with two separate series played in Saudi Arabia.

Which teams are taking part in the 2024 FIFA Series?

Madrid’s Modric to star in 2024 FIFA Series in Egypt

The sixth and final ‘series,’ to be played in Egypt between the “best” teams involved, will be slightly different.

Whereas in the tournaments mentioned above, the countries know which two teams they will face, the Egyptian edition, also known as the ACUD International Football Cup, will see Croatia take on Tunisia in one semi-final and hosts Egypt play New Zealand in the other. The winners will progress to the final, with the losers taking part in the third-placed playoff.

FIFA say the 2024 FIFA series will be a pilot competition, with bringing together teams from all confederations one of its main objectives. They will also look to increase the number of participating nations in future editions. This year, Saudi Arabia is the only host nation that won’t be involved in any of the series.