Toronto, June 11, 2026 — As the world marks International Day of Play and turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Right To Play is launching No Child on the Sidelines, a new global initiative to help more children access the power of sport and play to learn, grow, heal and belong.

Led by Right To Play, in partnership with Global Citizen, and aligned with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, No Child on the Sidelines will strengthen community-based organizations working with children in underserved communities around the world. Through a $5-million investment over four years from Global Affairs Canada, the initiative will expand access to sport- and play-based education for children ages three to 18, with nearly half of programmable funding flowing directly to local civil society organizations.

The initiative is expected to support approximately 15 grassroots and civil society organizations through two-year grants, technical support, peer learning and a community of practice. It will focus on helping local partners deliver safe, inclusive and effective programs that use play to improve learning, confidence, well-being and connection to community.

“Play is not a luxury. It is how children learn, build confidence, form relationships and begin to recover from adversity,” said Jessie Thomson, CEO of Right To Play International. “As Canada helps host the world’s game, we have a powerful opportunity to show that sport can be more than a spectacle. It can be a path to education, healing and opportunity for children who are too often left on the sidelines.”

No Child on the Sidelines builds on Right To Play’s more than 25 years of experience using play-based approaches to help children stay in school, overcome trauma, resist exploitation and build the skills they need to thrive. Right To Play works in some of the world’s most challenging contexts, creating safe and positive environments where children can learn and succeed through play.

“Canada recognizes the power of sport and play as important tools for learning, inclusion and development,” said Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development). “Yet, too many children around the world are denied the chance to learn, grow and thrive. Through this partnership with Right To Play, and aligned with the FIFA Global Citizen campaign, Canada is helping more children and youth who face the greatest challenges get access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Right To Play will work with Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, and local partners to help ensure the investment reaches children and communities where access to safe, inclusive, play-based learning can make the greatest difference.

Global Citizen will also lead a national advocacy campaign on the Global Citizen app during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to engage Canadians on the importance of investing in education globally. It will conclude on July 2nd with No Child on the Sidelines: An event supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund campaign. This ​​special pledging moment will celebrate the campaign’s impact for children in Canada and around the world, and rally further commitments for education and sport, including via the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

“We are thrilled to have Canada join our campaign to raise over USD $100 million for education and sports-based learning globally as part of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and we encourage Canadians to show their support as well," said Michael Sheldrick, Co-founder of Global Citizen. "During Canada's World Cup moment, we invite Canadians to download the Global Citizen app and take action to learn how education helps lift kids and communities out of poverty, and also to share what education means to them. Then, on July 2nd, Global Citizen and Canada will co-host a celebration event together with leaders, advocates, ambassadors and citizens to highlight the importance of education and the impact of the campaign on behalf of children. We invite other governments, businesses and foundations to follow Canada’s lead by pledging further support.”

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aims to mobilize resources and partnerships to expand access to quality education and sport for children worldwide, with support for grassroots organizations improving education outcomes in underserved communities.

No Child on the Sidelines will help ensure Canada’s FIFA World Cup moment leaves a lasting legacy beyond the stadium — one that reaches children in classrooms, refugee communities, conflict-affected neighbourhoods and communities where safe places to learn and play are urgently needed.

“Every child deserves the chance to play, learn, heal and dream,” said Thomson. “No child should be left on the sidelines.”

About Right To Play

Right To Play is a global organization that protects, educates and empowers children to rise above adversity through the power of play. We reached 12 million children around the world last year through in person and remote methods in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on earth to help them stay in school and graduate, resist exploitation and overcome prejudice, prevent disease, and heal from war and abuse.

Media contact: David Tsigoulis; [email protected]

About Global Citizen and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund

Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday advocates raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the private sector. Since the movement began, more than $50 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen operates in the US, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, the UAE, and across Asia. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aims to raise USD $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children worldwide. To date, the Fund has raised USD $50 million, with contributions from philanthropies, major brands and corporations, individual donors, and proceeds from ticket sales to major music and sporting events, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™.

More information on the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and the inaugural grantees is available at globalcitizen.org/education-fund-grantees.

Media contact: Jacqueline Darling; [email protected]