The Development of an International Football 7 Organization
The International Football Association (IFA7) was founded in 2015 by Daniel Balcorta to organize, regulate, promote and develop Football 7 internationally.
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, IFA7 has grown through a network of member associations, authorized representatives, competition organizers, clubs, athletes, referees and institutional partners.
From its earliest competitions in Latin America to the expansion of its international structure across several continents, IFA7 has worked to establish professional opportunities for national teams, clubs and participants in Football 7.
2015 — The Beginning
IFA7 formally began its international operations in 2015.
The inaugural IFA7 NATIONS CUP™ was held in Quito, Ecuador, featuring the national teams of Argentina, Canada, Ecuador and Mexico. Ecuador won the competition and became the first Nations Cup champion.
This event established the foundation for IFA7’s international competition program.
Former Ecuador national-team captain Iván “Bam Bam” Hurtado also became one of the organization’s first international ambassadors, supporting the promotion and development of Football 7.
2016 — International Competition Expansion
In 2016, IFA7 expanded its international competition portfolio with major events for national teams and clubs.
The first IFA7 COPA AMÉRICA™ was held in San José, Costa Rica, where Peru became continental champion.
IFA7 also continued developing the IFA7 WORLD CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP™, creating an international platform through which authorized clubs could compete beyond their domestic competitions.
These events strengthened IFA7’s position as an international organizer of Football 7 competitions.
2017 — The First World Championship
The first global championship for national teams was held in Retalhuleu, Guatemala, in 2017.
National teams representing different regions of the world participated, and Russia became the first IFA7 world champion.
The event marked an important stage in IFA7’s international development and demonstrated the potential of Football 7 as a structured global competition format.
Former Uruguay international Álvaro “Chino” Recoba was among the internationally recognized football personalities associated with IFA7’s ambassador program during this period.
2018 — Continental Growth
The second IFA7 COPA AMÉRICA™ was held in Quito, Ecuador, in 2018. Ecuador won the title on home soil.
IFA7 also continued developing its World Clubs Championship program and expanding relationships with Football 7 organizations in multiple countries.
During this period, the organization strengthened its brand identity and international operating framework.
2019 — Audience and Market Development
IFA7 continued expanding its international audience through television, digital media, event promotion and partnerships.
Its competitions reached supporters across multiple continents, helping Football 7 gain greater visibility among players, clubs, national organizations, broadcasters and commercial partners.
The organization also continued developing its regulations, competition standards and international membership structure.
2020–2022 — Institutional Development
The international sports environment changed significantly during this period. IFA7 used the opportunity to strengthen its institutional foundation, competition planning, intellectual-property portfolio and international relationships.
The organization continued developing the structures necessary for future national-team, club, women’s and youth competitions.
IFA7 also reinforced the distinction between its independent activities and those of other football organizations, protecting its identity and official competition properties.
2023 — Copa América Returns
The IFA7 COPA AMÉRICA™ returned in 2023, with Mexico becoming continental champion.
The competition continued the continental legacy established by Peru in 2016 and Ecuador in 2018.
The return of Copa América represented an important stage in rebuilding and expanding IFA7’s international competition calendar.
2024–2025 — Global Expansion
IFA7 continued developing relationships with national and regional Football 7 organizations across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.
The organization strengthened its processes for affiliation, event authorization, national-team participation and international development.
Planning also advanced for a new generation of IFA7 competitions, including events for national teams, international clubs, women, veteran players and developing Football 7 markets.
2026 — A New World Champion
The IFA7 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ Honduras 2026 was held in Tegucigalpa at the Estadio Nacional “Chelato Uclés.”
National teams from multiple continents participated in one of the most important competitions in IFA7 history.
Honduras completed an outstanding tournament and became world champion. Indonesia finished as runner-up, while Canada secured third place.
The event demonstrated the international reach of IFA7 and the growing competitive standard of Football 7 around the world.
IFA7 also expanded its international development activity in 2026, including new relationships and projects in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Looking Forward
IFA7 continues building an international structure that connects national associations, regional organizations, leagues, clubs, athletes, referees, coaches, event organizers and commercial partners.
Its future competition program includes:
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IFA7 NATIONS CUP™ Indonesia 2026
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IFA7 SUPER CUP™ Peru 2026
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IFA7 WORLD CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP™ Spain 2027
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IFA7 COPA AMÉRICA™ Brazil 2027
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Additional international, continental, women’s, youth and veteran competitions
From its beginnings in 2015 to its expanding global structure today, IFA7 remains committed to building Football 7 through professional organization, international competition and sustainable development.
Our Continuing Mission
IFA7’s mission is to organize, regulate, promote and develop Football 7 while creating legitimate international opportunities for its members and participants.
Every official competition, member association and development program forms part of a broader objective: establishing a strong, credible and internationally connected future for Football 7.
