FIFA and Global Citizen formally announced the advisory board of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aimed at raising $100 million for improved education and football opportunities.
The board is led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans and is joined by various sport, entertainment, business, and philanthropy figures. Among these include Hugh Jackman, Ivanka Trump, The Weeknd, Shakira, Serena Williams, Kaka and Jim DeMare.
Launched earlier this year, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will expand access to quality education and football development for children globally. Half of the funds raised will support grassroots education programs in more than 200 countries, while the other half will be allocated to the FIFA Football for Schools Program, which is delivered in partnership with UNESCO and promotes practical skills, education and community development through football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is hopeful of the new advisory board and what they can achieve.
“Football unites the world, and today we are harnessing that unity to make a lasting impact beyond the pitch,” he said. “Together with Global Citizen, we are proud to launch the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board and welcome an extraordinary group of leaders and founding contributions toward our goal of raising $100 million for children’s education and football worldwide. We are transforming the world’s game into a force for opportunity, hope, and learning for millions of children.”
In expanding the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, founding donors have already made substantial contributions, demonstrating strong early momentum. Further pledges are expected from philanthropies, corporations and individuals in the months leading up to the FIFA World Cup™ Final in July 2026.
Bank of America was among one of those corporations who have pledged.
“Bank of America is proud and excited to become a founding donor and the Bank of Record for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, further building on our role as Official Bank Sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26,” he said. “Sport brings people together – children, communities, and nations. FIFA and Global Citizen are great partners to use that power to address global learning challenges and opportunities.”
Building on the precedent set at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup 2025, it has been confirmed that the initiative of donating USD 1 from every ticket sold to the Fund will be extended to FIFA World Cup 26 matches, ensuring that every supporter’s participation directly contributes to advancing global education.
Organizations providing access to education and sport for children in underserved communities around the world are now invited to apply for grants of up to USD 250,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The first round of grantees will be announced in early 2026. To apply, visit globalcitizen.org/education-fund-apply.
