In a powerful statement about the role of sports in shaping young minds, FIFA and international advocacy group Global Citizen showcased the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Draw, held on December 5, 2025. The initiative aims to provide quality education and football development to 100,000 children in underserved communities worldwide — a message that resonates deeply as Toronto prepares to host matches during the 2026 tournament.
A $100 Million Commitment to Learning Through Sport
Launched earlier in 2025, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund has set a bold goal to raise USD 100 million by the end of the 2026 World Cup. With more than $30 million already raised, the fund is on its way to becoming one of the most impactful global education initiatives tied to a sporting event. Half of the fund’s proceeds will directly support FIFA Football for Schools, which integrates football into educational programming across FIFA’s 211 member countries.
“We donated 1 USD for each ticket sold to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and we’ll do the same for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “This fantastic project gives children… the opportunity to be educated using football as a school of life.”
The fund offers grants of up to $250,000 USD to organizations providing access to education and sport in under-resourced communities. The first round of grantees will be announced in early 2026.
Celebrities and Change-Makers Back the Movement
The campaign’s advisory board includes influential global figures such as Shakira, Hugh Jackman, Serena Williams, Ivanka Trump, and Toronto’s own Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye — all lending their voices to the movement for educational equity. At the Draw, powerful video messages emphasized that education and sport are two of the most transformative tools for youth development.
“There are 250 million children around the world without access to basic education,” said Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans. “The fact that FIFA is using this platform to reach over 100,000 of them is very powerful.”
Toronto’s Opportunity to Inspire
With Toronto serving as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, local educators, school boards, and non-profits have a unique opportunity to align with this global movement. The intersection of sport, education, and community empowerment fits squarely within the priorities of many GTA school and youth programs.
This moment also offers a call to action for local youth-focused organizations to apply for funding that could extend their impact globally. Organizations can apply now via FIFA.com or the FIFA Digital Hub.
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