WHAT GRASSROOTS PROGRAMS IS FIFA PROMOTING WITH THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

FIFA Forward and Investing in the Future

One ​​of the most important programs that FIFA has strengthened with a view to the 2026 World Cup is FIFA Forward. This project began in 2016, but has gained even more momentum in this edition that will be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Its objective is clear: to strengthen football from the ground up, providing financial, educational, and structural support to all member associations. With FIFA Forward 3.0, each association can access up to $8 million for development between 2023 and 2026. This money is allocated to football schools, community pitches, referee programs, coach training, and local tournaments. How is it being applied in practice? Mexico has invested in youth training centers in rural areas of the country. Canada allocates funds to school football and training for female coaches. In the United States, part of the money supports projects to popularize soccer in African American and Latino communities. Federations like Haiti, Guatemala, and Nicaragua have received support to improve their youth leagues. High-performance medical and technological centers are also being modernized. Fun fact: since the start of the FIFA Forward program, more than 1,600 projects have been funded worldwide, and 61% are directly related to youth development. The logic behind it is simple but powerful: if you want a spectacular World Cup, you need the roots of the sport to be well cared for. The 2026 World Cup will not only be a showcase, but also a massive boost for grassroots football.

Women's football, inclusion and diversity

One ​​of the areas that FIFA has focused on most in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup is the promotion of women's football. Although the men's World Cup will be the focus of the event, grassroots programs aim to extend their legacy to women, girls, and groups historically excluded from the sport. Through initiatives such as the “FIFA Women’s Development Programme” and “Football for Schools,” gender equality, access to pitches, coach training, and increased female participation in federations and local leagues are promoted. Impact in numbers and key projects: More than 190 federations have implemented women's programs with FIFA support. Football for Schools has already reached 105 countries, benefiting more than 12 million people. More than 4,000 female coaches have been trained since 2020. In Mexico, work is underway to expand mixed-gender school leagues. The United States is investing in adapted soccer programs for girls with disabilities. FIFA has made it clear that the 2026 World Cup is a unique opportunity to generate social impact. It's not just about goals and titles, but about opening up spaces, removing barriers, and making soccer truly for everyone. Inspiring fact: After the 2023 Women's World Cup, girls' participation in soccer academies in Canada increased by 28%. It is expected that this figure will double by 2026 thanks to the parallel programs launched from now on. The social legacy is as important as the sporting one. And FIFA, with these programs, seeks to mark a turning point.

Education, technology and sustainability

The 2026 World Cup will also serve as the perfect excuse to promote educational and technological programs that bring football closer to new generations. Furthermore, there is a clear sustainability goal: for this tournament to leave a positive mark on the planet, not just on the scoreboard.

Three Key Areas of Focus

• Education: The Football for Schools program includes content on healthy living, conflict resolution, and teamwork, in addition to football technique.

• Technology: FIFA is investing in data analytics tools, artificial intelligence, and educational apps for young footballers.

• Sustainability: The 2026 World Cup will be the "greenest" yet, with eco-certifications for stadiums and a reduced carbon footprint for travel.