FIFA and Global Citizen launched the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a $100 million initiative that expands access to quality education and life skills programs in underserved communities. The fund seeks to engage 50 million people by 2029, using sport, advocacy and entertainment to promote long-term development. Each ticket for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States (U.S.) will include a $1 donation. The Weeknd’s global concert tour and contributions through Shift4’s global merchant network will generate additional revenue. FIFA will allocate a significant portion of the funding to Football for Schools (F4S), its school-based program developed with UNESCO. F4S uses soccer to build leadership, teamwork and emotional well-being in children across more than 100 countries.

A Message Delivered on the Global Stage

FIFA and Global Citizen unveiled the fund during the 2025 Global Citizen NOW Summit in New York City. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized football’s ability to unify communities and create new opportunities. Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans described the initiative as a bold move to confront the global education crisis. In addition, organizers plan to launch localized campaigns to promote community-level engagement. These campaigns will include mentorship programs, parent workshops and student leadership clubs designed to keep children enrolled and motivated. By focusing on holistic engagement, the initiative aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage lifelong learning.

Football Drives Access to Education

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund represents a unique fusion of sports, entertainment and advocacy to promote educational access. Its creators believe football’s universal popularity can be a tool for social change and educational access. According to the United Nations (U.N.), young people who engage in at least five hours of physical activity per week perform better academically than those active for less than one hour. This initiative comes at a time when about 244 million children worldwide remain out of school.

This global initiative will target countries and regions most in need of education infrastructure and programming. By working with partners worldwide, the fund aims to build stronger education systems, especially in areas where youth have been disproportionately affected by poverty and lack of access to schooling. In addition to ticket sales and concert revenue, the fund plans to attract private sector partnerships and additional donations from philanthropists. These contributions will expand program reach, train teachers and equip classrooms with the resources necessary for students to thrive. 

Moving Forward

With ongoing support and global attention on major events like the Club World Cup, the fund aspires to create a sustainable impact for future generations. By harnessing the universal appeal of football and the influence of global music and activism, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aims to raise funds and build lasting change in communities that need it most. If successful, it could serve as a model for how entertainment, sport and philanthropy can work together to close the education gap and give every child the tools to shape their future.

– Glenn Brown III

Glenn is based in Smyrna, GA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

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