FIFA President Gianni Infantino has held one-to-one meetings with both King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck as he opened his two-day visit to Bhutan. Mr Infantino’s itinerary also included meetings with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) President Dasho Ugen Tsechup before he engaged with Bhutanese youngsters who are benefitting from FIFA’s support.

It was on his visit to Changlimithang Football Stadium with the BFF President where Mr Infantino got to see the infrastructural progress being made in Bhutan at first hand. The FIFA President described the venue as sitting “at the very heart of the game here”, serving as “a vibrant home for national teams and aspiring young talent”.

His focus then moved to football development as the FIFA President subsequently travelled to the BFF headquarters, known as the ‘Home of Happiness’, where he was joined by BFF General Secretary Ugyen Wangchhuk and Operational Director Phuntsho Wangdi. Mr Infantino observed a grassroots session and spent time with the U-15 boys’ national team, who are preparing for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ in Azerbaijan. Bhutan are in Group Q alongside Korea Republic, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines and the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Infantino was then hosted for lunch by Prince Jigyel Ugyen, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, and later was received in audience by King Jigme Khesar.

“There is incredible passion and ambition for football in Bhutan, and I was pleased to receive his support in our football development endeavors,” said Mr Infantino, thanking His Majesty for his time and for his evident interest in football.

FIFA’s investment in Bhutanese football spans more than a decade. FIFA Forward has helped build the Home of Happiness and a training centre, install artificial pitches and floodlights, and support the launch of the National Women’s League.

The FIFA Talent Development Scheme, meanwhile, funds two regional school football training centres for U-12 to U-14 players, while FIFA Arena has launched mini-pitches at Loselling Middle Secondary School in Thimphu and Tendu Middle Secondary School, the first steps towards Ugen Tsechup’s vision of 100 such facilities nationwide.

Bhutan’s progress is also visible on the pitch: Their women’s national team entered qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ for the first time, and finished third in their group. Qualification for next year’s final tournament may have eluded them, but notable victories against Lebanon and Singapore were recorded.

“Through initiatives like the FIFA Forward programme, the FIFA Talent Development Scheme and FIFA Arena, we are committed to giving every child in Bhutan the opportunity to play, dream and reach their full potential,” Mr Infantino said, thanking the BFF team for their “incredible vision and warm hospitality”.