FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Becomes a Cornerstone of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Legacy

ZURICH / GLOBAL — As anticipation builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, FIFA has placed global education and social equity firmly at the heart of the tournament’s legacy through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative that was spotlighted during the Final Draw ceremony.

Backed by a bold USD 100 million ambition, the Fund represents one of the most significant commitments ever made by a global sporting body to leverage a mega-event for long-term educational impact, reinforcing the idea that football’s greatest power lies beyond the pitch.

A World Cup With a Social Mission

Unveiled in partnership with international advocacy organisation Global Citizen, the Education Fund is designed to channel the global reach, emotion and commercial strength of the World Cup into tangible outcomes for children and young people, particularly those living in underserved and vulnerable communities.

The initiative aims to:

  • Expand access to quality education
  • Support football-based learning programmes
  • Empower children with life skills, inclusion and opportunity

By the end of the 2026 World Cup cycle, the Fund seeks to positively impact more than 100,000 children worldwide, making education a central pillar of the tournament’s legacy.

How the Fund Works

Unlike traditional charitable donations, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is embedded directly into FIFA’s event ecosystem.

Key funding mechanisms include:

  • USD 1 donated from every ticket sold at major FIFA competitions
  • Contributions from commercial partners and sponsors
  • Public donations amplified through Global Citizen advocacy campaigns

At least 50% of the funds raised are earmarked for Football for Schools, FIFA’s global education programme that integrates football into school curricula to promote teamwork, respect, discipline and healthy lifestyles.

This structure ensures that the Fund is not symbolic, but operational, scalable and measurable.

Voices That Amplify the Message

The Final Draw ceremony featured a powerful call to action from global leaders, entertainers and athletes — underscoring the initiative’s cross-sector appeal.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasised that football’s responsibility extends beyond competition:

“Football unites the world. With this Fund, we are making sure that unity translates into opportunity for children everywhere — not just during the World Cup, but long after the final whistle.”

Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, highlighted the urgency of the mission, pointing to the reality that hundreds of millions of children globally still lack access to basic education.

High-profile advisory board members — including Hugh Jackman, Shakira, Serena Williams and The Weeknd — have lent their voices to elevate awareness, helping bridge sport, culture and advocacy on a global stage.

From Awareness to Action: Grant-Based Impact

A defining feature of the Fund is its grant-driven delivery model. Eligible organisations working at the intersection of education and sport can apply for grants of up to USD 250,000, enabling local solutions tailored to community needs.

These grants are expected to support:

  • School access and retention programmes
  • Community football and education hubs
  • Teacher and coach training initiatives
  • Youth empowerment and inclusion projects

The first group of grant recipients is expected to be announced in early 2026, ensuring that impact begins before the World Cup even kicks off.

A New Standard for Mega-Event Legacy

Historically, the legacy of World Cups has been measured in stadiums, tourism revenue and broadcast records. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund reflects a broader evolution — where social impact is treated as a core success metric, not an afterthought.

By integrating education funding directly into the World Cup’s commercial engine, FIFA is establishing a model that:

  • Links global entertainment to global responsibility
  • Creates continuity beyond tournament cycles
  • Aligns football with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Why This Matters Beyond Football

The significance of the Education Fund extends well beyond sport. It demonstrates how global cultural moments — when structured intentionally — can become platforms for systemic change.

For governments, NGOs and development partners, the initiative offers:

  • A scalable funding channel
  • A global awareness amplifier
  • A trusted delivery framework

For fans, it transforms participation — from buying a ticket to contributing to a child’s future.

A World Cup That Invests in the Next Generation

As the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues, the Global Citizen Education Fund stands as a powerful reminder that football’s greatest legacy is not just trophies or titles — but opportunity, dignity and hope for the next generation.

In doing so, FIFA is redefining what it means to host the world’s biggest sporting event — not only as a celebration of the game, but as a catalyst for global progress.

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