The Transformative Power of Football
Sports have been instrumental in promoting peace globally and have played a pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Football, as a prominent global sport, holds a unique position.
Beyond mere recreation, it is a universal language spoken by people of all ages, transcending national, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. This shared passion fosters a sense of community and national pride.
Football's broad appeal and accessibility make it a potent tool for promoting health and well-being. It has also served as a vital platform for advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, both on and off the field.
Moreover, football serves as a catalyst for social inclusion, fostering unity and breaking down barriers between diverse communities. It provides a space where individuals from various backgrounds converge to promote mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and solidarity.
From uprooted, to unstoppable: UNHCR's Gamechanging Team
They once stood as children whose lives were shaped by displacement. Today, they stand together at the highest level of the game. UNHCR¡¯s Gamechanging Team brings eleven players together ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a symbolic team embodying hope, courage, resilience and the power of what is possible when people uprooted and displaced by war and persecution are met with safety, opportunity and welcome.
Background
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament in history with the representation of all regions, which took place on May 25, 1924, during the summer Olympic games held in Paris.
In recognition of this milestone, on May 7, 2024, the General Assembly passed Resolution proclaiming May 25 as World Football Day.
The resolution acknowledges "the global reach of football and its impact in various spheres, including commerce, peace and diplomacy, and recognizing that football creates a space for cooperation."
It also recognizes "the fundamental role" of F¨¦d¨¦ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and the important role of regional and national soccer federations, as well as relevant associations, in promoting the game of football.
The resolution encourages all countries to support football and other sports as a tool to promote peace, development and the empowerment of women and girls. And it also encourages countries to adopt policies and programs to promote football and other sports and physical activities.
It invites all member states, organizations of the UN system, international organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector to observe World Football Day in line with national priorities "and to disseminate the advantages of football for all, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities."
Celebration of World Football Day 2026
On 19 May, the UN General Assembly hosts an energetic World Football Day celebration, co-organized by Bahrain, Libya, and Tajikistan with support from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Rwanda. Featuring UN leaders and special guest FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the event highlights football's power to unite cultures, empower youth, and advance global solidarity. The programme includes powerful speeches, video messages, and a lively mini-tournament on the North Lawn¡ªturning diplomacy into action for peace, inclusion, and the 2030 Agenda.
World Football Day Logo
Download the logo (zip file). For details on branding and visibility for World Football Day, please refer to the official Logo Guidelines.
Key Documents
- General Assembly Resolution on establishing the World Day ()
- General Assembly Resolution on Sport as an enabler of sustainable development ()
- General Assembly Resolution on Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal ()
- General Assembly Resolution on Sport as an enabler of sustainable development ()
- General Assembly Resolution on Sport as a means to promote education, health, development and peace ()
- (2022)
- (2020)
- (2018)
