The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund has announced its first cohort of grantees, marking an important step toward expanding access to education and opportunity for children worldwide. The Fund aims to raise US$100 million by the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to support access to quality education and sport for children worldwide.
Created through a partnership between FIFA and Global Citizen, the Fund brings together the power of sport and the impact of education to support grassroots organizations working directly with children in underserved communities.
This first group of grantees reflects a wide range of approaches and ideas. Each organization is working to improve access to learning, strengthen education systems, and create safe and supportive spaces where children can grow and thrive.
The initiative reflects a growing effort to connect sport with education access and long-term opportunity for children worldwide.
“Football has the power to unite, inspire and create lasting change, and through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund we are putting that power into action to invest in the future of children around the world,” says FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
A Global Push for Education Access
Around the world, too many children are still unable to access quality education. Barriers like poverty, inequality, and limited resources continue to hold back millions of young people. Some of the selected organizations operate in communities where fewer than 15% of students complete secondary school, underscoring the urgent need for targeted investment in access to education.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund was created to help change that by mobilizing funding, partnerships, and global attention to support solutions led by communities themselves.
By focusing on grassroots organizations, the Fund supports those who understand local challenges best and are already delivering meaningful change on the ground.
Why Sport Matters
Sport can reach children in ways traditional systems often cannot. It creates connection, builds confidence, and opens the door to learning.
Many of the selected grantees use sport as a starting point to engage children and bring them into education programs. Whether through football or other activities, these programs help improve attendance, support learning, and create environments where children feel safe and included.
This approach recognizes that education is not only about classrooms. It is also about building skills, confidence, and opportunity for life.
Supporting Grassroots Changemakers
The first cohort includes 27 grassroots organizations across 10 countries, selected through a competitive process focused on impact, innovation, and growth potential.
These organizations are working across different regions and contexts, tackling challenges such as limited access to schools, low literacy rates, and unequal opportunities for girls and marginalized communities.
With support from the Fund, organizations will receive grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$250,000 to expand their programs and reach more children.
Grantees will also be part of a broader network of partners and organizations working toward the same goal, creating opportunities to share knowledge and learn from one another.
Among the first cohort are organizations using innovative approaches to expand learning opportunities and support youth development. In South Africa, Eduplex NPC integrates deaf and hearing students through auditory-verbal therapy and technology-supported learning, while Skateistan combines skateboarding and creative education to help young people build confidence and resilience.
In Colombia, Fundación Tiempo de Juego uses football, arts, and technology to help youth build leadership and life skills, while Beyond Soccer in the United States uses soccer as a pathway to academic success and career readiness.
Learn more about all the grantees here.
A Collective Effort
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund brings together a global network of partners committed to education and opportunity. Managed by Global Citizen, with FIFA as its anchor partner, the Fund connects sport, philanthropy, and social impact.
Founding donors include MetLife and Bank of America, whose support helps ensure funding reaches grassroots organizations making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. To date, the Fund has already raised more than US$30 million through support from philanthropies, major brands, corporations, individual donors, and global fundraising initiatives.
Half of the funds raised through the initiative will also support FIFA’s Football for Schools program, which uses football to advance learning and life skills worldwide. Additional support comes from proceeds from major events, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and global concert tours.
Looking Ahead
The announcement of the first cohort is just the beginning. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will continue to grow, supporting more organizations and reaching more children in the years ahead.
By building on this momentum, the Fund aims to unlock even greater impact and help shape a future where every child has the chance to learn.
Phase 2 Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for the next cycle of FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund grants. Grassroots organizations providing access to education and sport for children in underserved communities can apply for grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$250,000.
Applications and eligibility details are available here.
How You Can Get Involved
Everyone has a role to play in expanding access to education.
You can support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund by learning more about its work, sharing its mission, or contributing to help scale its impact.
When more children have access to education, communities grow stronger, and opportunities expand for everyone.