Global Cup Show: Music, Soccer and a Push for School Funds

Global Citizen is setting up the biggest halftime show in World Cup history, a plan that mixes pop stars and football to fund education for kids worldwide. The event will feature names like Madonna, Shakira, BTS and the Coldplay singer Chris Martin, who helped design the show. The goal is to channel the billions of viewers into a new FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund that aims to raise $100 million for local groups giving children access to schools and sports. Shakira, who released the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy, said she wants the stage to highlight how vital schooling is. She told a New York summit that using a global event as a platform could bring attention to the problem of children being left behind. But pulling money from ticket sales is tricky. One dollar from every World Cup ticket will go to the education fund, yet tickets can cost thousands of dollars and travel expenses add up. Some host cities are even reducing their attendance targets because of the high cost. Political tensions also muddy the waters. FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino has tied the organization to former U. S. President Donald Trump, who received a FIFA peace prize and whose daughter sits on the education fund’s board. Critics say this connection clashes with the spirit of international unity that sports usually promote.Despite these challenges, Global Citizen has already raised $47 million for the fund. Big sponsors like Bank of America, MetLife and Cisco have donated millions, while entertainers such as The Weeknd, Usher, Chris Brown and Shakira contribute ticket proceeds from their tours. Corporate partners also support creative campaigns that encourage fans to share soccer videos online for extra donations. The organization is now looking toward world leaders, inviting current and future World Cup host countries to add more money. Evans, the founder, says that showing national governments together on a global stage can help solve big problems without feeling “nationalistic. ” He points to the 27 first grantees of the fund, including a Harlem nonprofit that uses mixed martial arts to bring extra learning resources to students. The grants range from $50, 000 to $250, 000, and recipients say the support gives them a chance to build character, discipline and confidence in their students. Global Citizen is also reaching out beyond traditional donors. The UAE’s Mariam AlMheiri, who heads the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, joined their board to broaden support. Chef Marcus Samuelsson notes that this World Cup covers three countries—United States, Mexico and Canada—and is expanding to include African and Asian teams. He hopes the wide geographic spread will spark curiosity about global issues, encouraging people to travel, volunteer or simply learn more while watching the games. In short, Global Citizen’s plan is to use music and soccer together as a powerful tool for change, hoping that the excitement of the World Cup will turn into real support for children’s education around the globe.