Ivanka Trump has been appointed to the advisory board of FIFA’s ambitious $100 million Education and Social Responsibility Fund, which will be partially funded by ticket sales from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement, made in Zurich on October 27, 2025, marks a significant crossover of politics, sports, and social impact as FIFA ramps up its legacy-building efforts ahead of the historic North American tournament.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, created in partnership with the anti-poverty nonprofit Global Citizen, has already raised $30 million toward its $100 million goal.
The fund will receive $1 from every ticket sold for the 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Ivanka Trump Joins FIFA $100M Education Fund for World Cup 2026 ticket sales
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Ivanka Trump Joins Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board Alongside Serena Williams, Shakira, The Weeknd, and Kaká: Revolutionary Initiative Powered by 2026 World Cup Ticket Sales to Support Education for 100,000 Children Across 200+ Communities Worldwide with $250,000 Grants for Grassroots Organizations
Star-Studded Advisory Board for Global Impact
Joining Ivanka Trump on the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board is a stellar lineup of global celebrities and changemakers, each bringing unique perspectives and influence to drive worldwide impact:
- Serena Williams – Tennis icon championing girls’ empowerment and educational access
- Shakira – Colombian pop sensation known for her Pies Descalzos Foundation supporting youth education programs
- The Weeknd – Canadian music superstar curating inclusive soundtracks and supporting education initiatives
- Hugh Jackman – Australian actor and humanitarian advocating for children’s rights
- Kaká – Brazilian football legend and UN ambassador promoting sustainable development through sports
- Robbie Williams – British music ambassador crafting World Cup anthems with social messages
- Morgan Freeman – Oscar-winning actor narrating stories of football unity and education
- Spike Lee – Filmmaker bridging courtside passion with advocacy against racism and inequality
- Rita Ora – British-Albanian singer promoting diverse representation in global events
“The board will provide strategic guidance to maximize the fund’s reach and impact,” FIFA stated, emphasizing that these influential figures will help transform football’s global reach into tangible legacies for education, equality, and community development.
How the FIFA Education Fund Works
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund operates through a dual-pronged approach designed to create lasting impact:
Fund Allocation and Distribution:
- 50% ($50 million) – Grassroots education programs supporting literacy and learning access in over 200 countries
- 50% ($50 million) – FIFA Football for Schools Programme, delivered in partnership with UNESCO to promote practical skills and community development
Grant Opportunities for Organizations:
Organizations providing education and sport access to children in underserved communities worldwide can now apply for grants of up to $250,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The first round of grantees will be announced in early 2026, just months before the World Cup kicks off.
Applications are open to community-based organizations, nonprofits, and grassroots initiatives that combine education and sports to improve children’s lives. The fund targets helping 100,000 children across 200+ communities globally.
Ivanka Trump’s FIFA Connection and Political Ties
This appointment strengthens the already-close relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ivanka Trump’s involvement is not her first with FIFA—she participated in the FIFA Club World Cup draw ceremony in Miami in December 2024 alongside her son Theodore.
The FIFA-Trump relationship includes several notable developments:
- Infantino has made multiple visits to the White House in 2025
- A replica World Cup trophy sits in the Oval Office
- President Trump is scheduled to present the original trophy to the winning captain after the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Trump is expected to attend the World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
- FIFA opened an office in Trump Tower, New York
World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales Funding Education
The funding mechanism directly ties the 2026 FIFA World Cup to global education initiatives. With over 7 million spectators expected to attend the tournament’s 104 matches, each $1-per-ticket contribution will add substantially to the fund’s $100 million target.
The 2026 World Cup represents a historic expansion, being the first 48-team tournament spread across three nations. The 16 host cities include:
- United States: New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, Miami, Boston
- Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Vision
“Football unites the world, and today we are harnessing that unity to make a lasting impact beyond the pitch,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Together with Global Citizen, we are proud to launch the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board and welcome an extraordinary group of leaders and founding contributions toward our goal of raising USD 100 million for children’s education and football worldwide.”
Infantino emphasized that the initiative transforms “the world’s game into a force for opportunity, hope, and learning for millions of children,” aligning with FIFA’s broader mission to use football as a catalyst for social change.
Global Citizen’s Role and Mission
Hugh Evans, Co-founder & CEO of Global Citizen, highlighted the transformative power of education: “Education is not charity – it is the single most powerful investment we can make to end extreme poverty in our lifetime. That’s why, in partnership with FIFA, we launched the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.”
Evans confirmed that with the advisory board independently overseeing fund distribution, the initiative will “ensure maximum impact globally” and help underserved children access “the books, classrooms, and skills they need to break the cycle of poverty.”
Timeline: Key Dates for FIFA Education Fund 2026
- October 27, 2025: Advisory Board announcement including Ivanka Trump
- December 5, 2025: FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw in Washington, D.C.
- Early 2026: First round of grant recipients announced
- June 11, 2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off
- July 19, 2026: World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Criticism and Controversy
While the education fund aims for positive global impact, the appointment of Ivanka Trump has drawn mixed reactions. Critics point to the increasingly visible political connections between FIFA and the Trump administration, raising questions about the intersection of sports governance and politics.
Some observers note that Infantino’s frequent White House visits and the prominent role given to Trump family members could blur the lines between sports diplomacy and political allegiance during a World Cup year.
How to Apply for FIFA Education Fund Grants
Organizations interested in applying for FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund grants can visit the official application portal. Eligible applicants include:
- Grassroots education organizations
- Community-based sports programs
- Youth development nonprofits
- Organizations serving underserved communities globally
Grants of up to $250,000 will support programs combining education access with sports development, with priority given to initiatives demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable community engagement.
The Bigger Picture: Football as a Force for Good
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund represents FIFA’s evolving approach to leveraging football’s global popularity for social impact. By tying education funding directly to World Cup ticket sales, FIFA creates a sustainable model where the world’s biggest sporting event directly benefits children’s education worldwide.
With celebrity advocates like Shakira, Serena Williams, and Kaká alongside political figures like Ivanka Trump, the fund aims to maximize visibility and donations, ensuring that the 2026 World Cup legacy extends far beyond the final whistle on July 19.
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, this education initiative positions football as not just entertainment, but as a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty through education and sports access for millions of children worldwide.
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