FOX Sports and Fox Corporation Launch Community Impact Initiatives for FIFA World Cup 2026

FOX Sports and Fox Corporation Announce Community Initiatives for World Cup 2026

As the excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, FOX Sports has revealed significant community impact initiatives aimed at fostering youth engagement in soccer across the United States. This announcement marks a pivotal commitment of $500,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), which aims to expand access to soccer and enhance workforce readiness for club teens.

Investment Details

The financial pledge is part of a broader multi-year collaboration between FOX Sports, BGCA, and the nonprofit organization Common Goal, collectively working to create lasting opportunities for young people. Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports, emphasized the importance of utilizing the upcoming World Cup not just for showcasing top-tier soccer but as a chance to make a meaningful impact on communities nationwide. This approach reflects a commitment to ensuring that the tournament leaves a legacy that transcends the pitch.

Expanding Access to Soccer

The $500,000 grant is set to support various youth soccer programs conducted by BGCA, which are pivotal in providing more than 26,000 new youth with access to soccer. These programs will also focus on training coaches and creating job opportunities for Club teens as referees, promoting not only the sport but also professional development for young adults. Additionally, local clubs will be able to host Soccer Forward Fests - events meant to celebrate soccer while driving deeper community engagement.

Jim Clark, President and CEO of BGCA, stated, “Soccer can open up new opportunities for youth, and this collaboration with FOX Sports will allow us to support young athletes across the country.” This transformative initiative aims to elevate support for players and coaches, ultimately contributing to their growth on and off the field.

A Legacy of Engagement

In addition to supporting youth soccer, FOX Sports is expanding its community initiatives for the World Cup 2026, building on earlier efforts seen during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™. A wide-reaching network of impact organizations, including Common Goal and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, will work together with FOX Sports to promote mental well-being and access to the game.

Moreover, FOX Sports has been recognized as the only national broadcaster to pledge 1% of its tournament coverage to tell the stories of soccer’s social good initiatives across its platforms, reinforcing its commitment to drive positive social change through soccer.

Mental Health in Sports

Common Goal is also playing a vital role in addressing mental health issues within sports. Their ongoing initiative, “Create the Space,” which originated in 2023, focuses on delivering mental wellness training programs across North America and the Caribbean for soccer-based youth organizations. This is a crucial step in equipping the future generation not only with soccer skills but also with tools to manage mental health challenges.

Naomi Girma, a defender for the U.S. Women’s National Team, expressed pride in the work being done to elevate awareness around mental health's impact on athletes. She articulated how FOX Sports' support continues to strengthen the program, ensuring its ability to create meaningful change.

Educational Opportunities through FOX Sports University

Further investing in the sports workforce, FOX Sports also focuses on the future of sports through its FOX Sports University program. Now in its 19th year, this initiative connects college students with real-world experiences and career pathways within the industry. As they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026, FOX Sports University has partnered with 20 colleges to host various FIFA World Cup™-themed programs, including competitions and speaker series led by industry experts.

Commitment to Community Impact

The expansion of FOX Sports' community outreach reflects a long-term vision of using sport as a catalyst for meaningful change. By aligning with Fox Corporation and various nonprofit organizations, the aim remains to create a lasting impact that extends well beyond the World Cup in 2026, shaping the future of soccer in the United States.

For further details on these initiatives, you can visit the FOX Sports Press Pass website, and stay engaged on social media by following @FOXSportsPR.