Antipoverty advocate Global Citizen is preparing for its most ambitious production yet: the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, scheduled for July 19. Curated with help from Coldplay vocalist Chris Martin, the Super Bowl-style performance will feature Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. Shakira also released the official World Cup song 'Dai Dai' featuring Afrobeats star Burna Boy.
Education Fund Launch
Organizers aim to direct the tournament's billions of viewers toward the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million for grassroots groups providing underserved children with access to education and sports. Shakira expressed hope that 'the importance of investing in education steals the show' at the Global Citizen NOW summit in New York.
Challenges and Controversies
The push could be complicated by high ticket prices and travel costs, with some host cities lowering attendance expectations. Additionally, FIFA President Gianni Infantino's connection to President Donald Trump has drawn criticism, as Trump's policies create an unwelcoming environment. However, Global Citizen founder Hugh Evans remains pragmatic, focusing on the positive potential of the event.
So far, $47 million has been raised for the education fund, with contributions from Bank of America, MetLife, Cisco, and others. MetLife is donating $5 for every video of fans juggling a soccer ball with the hashtag #FootworkForFutures. Indian education entrepreneur Sunny Varkey contributed $3 million, and Shakira will donate all proceeds from her song 'Dai Dai' plus $1 from every ticket to her U.S. tour.
Global Partnerships
Global Citizen is expanding into new regions, including the Middle East, with Mariam AlMheiri joining their board. The organization is also engaging heads of state from World Cup host countries for additional funding. The 27 inaugural grantees include Harlem-based Hit the Books, which uses mixed martial arts to provide educational resources. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000.
Marcus Samuelsson, a chef and soccer fan, noted the World Cup's spread across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and its expansion to include African and Asian nations, hoping it inspires curiosity about global issues.
