UAE joins global partners as education initiative reaches $60 million ahead of football’s biggest match.
The United Arab Emirates has pledged $5 million to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, adding fresh momentum to a worldwide campaign that aims to expand access to education for children and young people. The announcement comes just ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, as governments, charities and private organizations continue to increase support for the initiative.
According to the UAE’s state news agency WAM, the contribution reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to improving educational opportunities and investing in young people. The funding is expected to support programs that help children gain essential knowledge, practical skills and better learning opportunities, particularly in communities facing educational challenges.
The UAE said the pledge also highlights its broader efforts to work with international partners on projects that promote sustainable development and create lasting opportunities for future generations.
Education Fund Crosses $60 Million
The pledge was announced during the “No Child on the Sidelines” summit hosted by Global Citizen in New York, where governments, development agencies and philanthropic organizations gathered to support the education initiative.
The latest commitments pushed the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund beyond $60 million, marking a significant milestone only a little over a year after the fund was launched.
The UAE was among several countries making new financial commitments. Additional support came from the governments of Canada, Portugal, Sierra Leone and Zambia, while Enabel, Belgium’s international development agency, also joined the list of contributors.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy reinforced its backing of the initiative through a major pledge focused on supporting education organizations across the Middle East and North Africa.
During the summit, organizers also announced funding for 31 community-based organizations working in 18 countries. Individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 will help local groups expand education projects and improve learning opportunities for children. With the latest round of grants, the initiative now supports 58 organizations, with an estimated 400,000 children expected to benefit from its programs.
Entertainment Industry Continues to Drive Donations
Alongside government support, the education fund has received major backing from the global entertainment industry.
Singer The Weeknd has dedicated proceeds from his “After Hours Til Dawn” tour to the initiative through a partnership with Live Nation. Music star Usher and singer Chris Brown have also contributed by directing proceeds from their “R&B” tour toward the fund.
Colombian artist Shakira, who performs the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song “Dai Dai,” has pledged royalties from the track to support the initiative. In addition, Sony Music will match the first $250,000 generated from those royalties, while Shakira is also donating $1 from every ticket sold during her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour.
Corporate partners, including MetLife Foundation and Bank of America, remain among the founding supporters helping finance the campaign.
Addressing Global Education Challenges
Organizers say the initiative comes at a time when international education funding is under increasing pressure. Global education aid has declined significantly in recent years, leaving many developing countries with fewer resources to improve schools, teacher training and learning opportunities.
Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Government Relations Officer at Global Citizen, said the newly selected organizations represent communities across several continents and demonstrate how football can become a platform for creating long-term social impact beyond the tournament itself.
Building a Lasting World Cup Legacy
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund was launched with the goal of raising more than $100 million by the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The money will support education projects around the world while also strengthening FIFA’s Football for Schools program, which operates in more than 200 countries.
As attention turns to the World Cup final and its first-ever halftime show, organizers believe the growing support for the education fund shows how football’s biggest global event can create benefits that extend well beyond the pitch.
With the UAE now among the latest contributors, the campaign has taken another important step toward its fundraising target while reinforcing the role international cooperation can play in expanding educational opportunities for children worldwide.
