Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL THERE BE FIFA EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
The 2026 World Cup promises to be much more than a football festival: it will be a global educational platform. FIFA plans to launch a series of training, inclusion, and social development programs before and during the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These initiatives not only aim to inspire future generations but also to leave a tangible legacy beyond the stadiums. In this article, we'll tell you how FIFA's educational programs will work, what impact they will have, and why this World Cup could mark a turning point in how we teach through sport.
Football as an Educational Tool
For years, FIFA has understood that football goes beyond the game. It is a powerful tool for educating, promoting values, and transforming communities. In the context of the 2026 World Cup, the organization has announced an unprecedented expansion of its educational programs, focusing on sustainability, gender equality, youth leadership, and mental health.
These programs are part of the global initiative “FIFA for Schools,” created in 2019, which is already present in more than 130 countries and seeks to integrate football into educational systems.
For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA plans to use the three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—as learning laboratories, connecting schools, universities, and sporting communities with workshops, conferences, and activities led by legendary players and coaches.Key Objectives of FIFA Educational Programs
Promote values such as teamwork, inclusion, and resilience.
Incorporate football as a pedagogical tool in primary and secondary schools.
Train teachers and coaches in educational sports methodologies.
Encourage the participation of girls and young women in sport.
To leave a lasting educational legacy in the three host countries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that the 2026 World Cup will be “a unique opportunity to inspire millions of children to learn and grow through football.” And rightly so: more than 20 million students are expected to participate in tournament-related activities, both in person and online.
The FIFA for Schools and Football for Hope Programs
Among FIFA's most prominent educational programs are FIFA for Schools and Football for Hope, which will be fundamental pillars during the 2026 World Cup. These initiatives combine academic learning with human development through football, integrating digital tools, pedagogical resources, and community experiences.
FIFA for Schools aims to train teachers to use football as part of the educational curriculum. The lessons not only teach technique and tactics, but also values such as empathy, cooperation, and decision-making.
As part of the 2026 World Cup, more than 200 free workshops will be organized in schools and sports centers across the three host countries, with materials translated into English, Spanish, and French. Furthermore, Football for Hope will focus on vulnerable communities, promoting social inclusion through mobile academies, sports clinics, and youth empowerment projects. These activities will feature the participation of former World Cup players who will share their experiences and advice on how football can change lives.
Main components of FIFA educational programs
Interactive digital platform: free educational app with online modules for students and teachers.
Teacher training: certified courses for sports instructors in the three host countries.
FIFA Learning Centre: a virtual space with academic resources and live-streamed seminars.
Health and wellbeing initiatives: talks on nutrition, mental health, and injury prevention.
Inclusive Schools: programs to promote the participation of children with disabilities.
The impact of these programs will be significant. According to FIFA estimates, nearly 30,000 teachers and 10,000 coaches will receive direct training before the start of the tournament. In addition, educational kits with balls, uniforms, and learning materials will be delivered to more than 5,000 schools in North America.
An interesting new development is the partnership with technology companies and universities to develop augmented reality tools and immersive experiences. For example, there are plans to create an app where children can learn basic soccer tactics by watching animated versions of real players teaching directly in the classroom. A perfect blend of sport and educational technology.
The Educational Legacy of the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will not only go down in history as the biggest, but also for its educational legacy. FIFA wants children to remember the tournament as an opportunity to learn and grow, beyond the goals. The educational programs will continue after the World Cup, becoming permanently integrated into the school systems of the host countries.
In Mexico, for example, the Ministry of Public Education is already working with FIFA to include sports education modules at the primary level. In the United States, the "Soccer in Schools" program will seek to connect public schools with local MLS clubs.
And in Canada, the federal government will promote the training of female coaches within the framework of gender equality promoted by FIFA.
Expected Results and Projections
More than 20 million students reached in the three host countries.
30% increase in female participation in school sports programs.
Creation of 100 youth training centers and 50 sports scholarship programs.
Certified training for more than 40,000 teachers and coaches.
Implementation of educational modules in more than 10 languages, including Indigenous languages. But it won't all be theory. FIFA also plans interactive activities at the Fan Fests, where children can participate in educational mini-games, meet former players, and learn about culture, the environment, and teamwork. There's even talk of an eco-friendly initiative called "Green Football," in which schools will compete by collecting recyclable materials in exchange for sports equipment. These proposals aim to leave a lasting impact. According to FIFA's own data, the educational programs implemented since 2019 have resulted in more than 60% of participating children improving their academic performance and social behavior. If this is replicated at the 2026 World Cup, we would be looking at the most educational World Cup of all time. In short, yes, there will be FIFA educational programs during the 2026 World Cup, and there will be many. From workshops in schools to interactive apps, from sports scholarships to leadership talks, education will be a major focus of this tournament. Because if football teaches us anything, it's that true victory lies not only in lifting the trophy, but in learning and sharing the best of ourselves along the way.
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