MY HERO is proud to spotlight FIFA's initiatives that promote peace, inclusion, and positive social impact through sport.
FIFA World CupWiki
FIFA is using the world's biggest soccer event to promote important social causes that reach far beyond the football field. At this year’s FIFA World Cup™, FIFA’s social impact campaigns will focus on promoting unity, countering racism and encouraging physical activity among young people, alongside a strong emphasis on fostering peace and supporting education. Campaign messages will be displayed on stadium giant screens and LED boards throughout all 16 venues, with additional content and resource-filled toolkits available online.
One of the main initiatives is Football Unites the World - a global movement to inspire, unite and develop through football. It brings people together, all over the world, to celebrate the game. It represents the commitment of those who live football – be they players, coaches or fans – to shape our communities and society.
As part of this effort, FIFA will promote the message "Unite for Peace" during the tournament's group stage. All 48 48 participating teams and match officials will wear special sleeve patches encouraging dialogue, respect, and social cohesion. The campaign invites the global football community to come together and take action for peace by supporting understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect. The campaign will also champion other impactful and inspirational initiatives, such as the FIFA Foundation Refugee Programme (delivered in partnership with UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency).
Explore powerful, award-winning short films celebrating peace, compassion, and courageous changemakers from the MY HERO International Film Festival. /ron-kovic-
Later in the tournament, FIFA will shift its focus to "Education for All." This campaign emphasizes the importance of learning and encourages support for educational opportunities worldwide, inspiring children to learn life skills through fun football sessions. FIFA Football for Schools has been designed to promote targeted life skills and competencies through football and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other priorities, while the Programme is aligned with global sport, education, and health policies.
Learn more in the MY HERO Teachers Room, which hosts a plethora of lesson plans filled with multimedia resources to enrich learning for a wide range of subjects and age groups.
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Another major initiative is No Racism and Fight for Inclusion, which reinforces FIFA's commitment to combating discrimination in soccer and society. The campaign's message—"Listen, Stand Up, Show Up"—encourages people to listen to those who experience racism, speak out against prejudice, and actively support inclusion. FIFA plans to feature anti-racism messaging throughout all matches of the tournament.
Other initiatives include:
Unite for Gender Equality - FIFA and UN Women have partnered to emphasise the critical importance of gender equality, raising awareness on the biggest global stage in women’s sport. View our International Women's Day Showcase here: /
Unite for Indigenous People - Indigenous peoples continue to be left behind and suffer disproportionately from climate change, poverty and poor access to education and healthcare. They are often excluded from planning and participation in their social, political and cultural lives. Football is a unifying force that can advocate for the rights of indigenous communities everywhere and recognize their cultural contribution.
Explore resources celebrating Indigenous voices: /
Unite for Ending Violence Against Women - Violence against women and girls remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation worldwide. According to UN Women, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence, and the immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences for women and girls can be devastating, even fatal.
See our lesson plan here: /
MY HERO's International Women's Day Showcase also highlights stories of women leaders, changemakers, and advocates working to advance gender equality around the world.
FIFA 2026 is also promoting physical activity through its Be Active campaign. Designed especially for children and families, the initiative encourages people to move more, exercise regularly, and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Interactive activities, workouts, and fan events are expected to be part of the program.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that he is excited to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States serve as a platform for promoting unity, diversity, and a shared love of football: “Through our Football Unites the World, No Racism, Unite for Peace, Unite for Education, and Be Active campaigns, FIFA is aiming to use football’s unique power to build bridges and convey a strong message to promote peace, education, anti-racism, and a healthy lifestyle. We invite the global football community to join us and champion these fundamental causes that transcend football and the FIFA World Cup.”
During the tournament, FIFA will use a series of social impact campaigns to promote peace, education, anti-racism, and healthy lifestyles. By incorporating these messages into the World Cup, FIFA hopes to leverage football's global audience to raise awareness of issues affecting communities worldwide.
FIFA's social impact campaigns demonstrate how sport can be a powerful platform for promoting peace, education, inclusion, and healthy communities. At MY HERO, we celebrate individuals and organizations using their influence to create positive change and inspire action around the world.
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Page created on 6/17/2026 6:25:57 PM
Last edited 6/17/2026 6:35:00 PM
