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Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a group of leading organizations has formed the Child Rights and Sports Alliance (CRSA) to elevate the rights and voices of youth to drive community impact. Created jointly by Aspen Institute’s Project Play, the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR), the National League of Cities (NLC), UNICEF USA and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, CRSA intends to amplify the representation of young people in the planning, execution and legacy of the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, marks a significant milestone as the first major sporting event to integrate human rights into its bidding process, execution and legacy. Additionally, it will be the first tournament hosted by three countries. This presents a unique opportunity to support host cities in achieving their commitments to human rights and embedding legacy initiatives focused on young people. CSRA will offer resources and guidance to develop child rights strategies that reflect international standards, tailored to the specific contexts of each city. Each organization in the Alliance specializes in elevating youth voices in decision-making, increasing access to football for development and enhancing child safeguarding in sports.
The announcement was made at NLC’s Annual City Summit in Tampa, Florida. The CRSA convened a group of 2026 World Cup host city and committee representatives at the conference to gain a better understanding of the specific needs of municipalities in the lead up to the tournament and to begin discussions on planning and support members of the CRSA can provide.
Project Play, an initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society Program, works to build healthy communities in sports by developing, sharing and mobilizing knowledge. It created the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports and continues to advocate for children’s rights in sports by engaging World Cup organizers, soccer leaders and sports stakeholders. Through initiatives like 63X30 and the Project Play Summit, Project Play is driving change to ensure all children have access to safe, inclusive and supportive sports experiences.
The CSHR works to create a sports sector that upholds and promotes human rights by raising awareness, building capacity and driving impact. It convenes host cities on human rights and is leading safeguarding efforts through Generation 2026. Additionally, it’s working with host cities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada to amplify youth voices, including the Youth Media Forward initiative.
“The World Cup will create new levels of interest from young people to play football,” said Mary Harvey, CEO of CSHR. “And as that happens, it is our responsibility to commit to centering child voice, participation and safety as an integral part of grassroots programs. The alliance we’ve built together is a team of organizations coming together to play to their strengths for the benefit of the next generation.”
NLC is a coalition of city, town and village leaders that are focused on improving the quality of life for future generations. In the lead-up to the tournament, it will unite community partners, align planning efforts and leverage resources to create lasting benefits for young people and their families. Through collaboration and strategic action, NLC aims to ensure that cities maximize the positive impact of the event for local communities.
UNICEF USA rallies the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children in support of UNICEF’s vision to build communities for every child. Its Community Alliance for Child Rights is leading efforts to help host cities adopt child-centered governance strategies, ensuring that young people can participate in local decision-making.
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas. It is working to increase football participation through programs and initiatives that use the sport as a vehicle for social change.
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