RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Concacaf on Thursday announced a multiyear partnership aimed at promoting football across North and Central America and the Caribbean. This collaboration is set to support the sport’s growth at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions, and enhance Concacaf’s tournaments for men, women, and youth, said an official statement. The partnership arrives as the region prepares for significant football events, including the men’s and women’s Concacaf Champions Cups, the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US. The agreement focuses on strengthening football development initiatives and increasing access to the sport for children and youth across all 41 Concacaf member federations. Mohammed Al-Sayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF, remarked on the deal, “Together, we will advance a series of initiatives to create a positive and lasting impact across all Concacaf competitions. As PIF expands its portfolio of inspiring sponsorships, our commitment to investing in sport remains constant.” The partnership will also aid Concacaf in expanding its youth championships, including the under-15, under-17, and under-20 tournaments for both men and women. These competitions will serve as qualification events for the FIFA U17 and U20 World Cups. Victor Montagliani, Concacaf president and FIFA vice president, noted: “This is a pivotal time for PIF to connect with football in Concacaf. Interest in the sport is growing rapidly in our confederation and will reach new heights as major Concacaf competitions take place over the next two years, culminating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The partnership aligns with PIF’s broader sponsorship strategy, which spans tennis, golf, football, and electric motorsports, and emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, youth, and technology. It will also bolster existing Concacaf initiatives, such as the “Bigger Game” program, which uses football’s popularity to deliver sports and education programs. In May this year, the wealth fund and the Women’s Tennis Association announced a multiyear partnership aimed at advancing women’s professional tennis and encouraging greater female participation in the sport worldwide. The collaboration will also focus on creating and enhancing initiatives that support players at all levels.