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.

The Vision

• Shakira released the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy and 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.

Funding Mechanics

• $1 from every World Cup ticket will go to the education fund.
• Ticket prices can reach thousands of dollars, and travel expenses add up. Some host cities are even reducing their attendance targets because of the high cost.

Political Tensions

• 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.

Progress to Date

Expanding the Initiative

• The organization is inviting current and future World Cup host countries to add more money.
• Founder Evans says that showing national governments together on a global stage can help solve big problems without feeling “nationalistic.”
• The first 27 grantees include a Harlem nonprofit that uses mixed martial arts to bring extra learning resources to students. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, giving recipients a chance to build character, discipline and confidence in their students.

Broadening the Board

• Mariam AlMheiri (UAE) joined the 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.

Bottom Line

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.