The 2026 World Cup demonstrated that mega-sporting events could leave cities greener, not just busier. Toronto, Seattle and Mexico City turned tournament pressure into long-term environmental gains through net-zero facilities, restored parks, native tree planting, reusable foodware, food rescue and stronger recycling systems. Expanded public transit, cycling routes and walkable streets also helped fans choose lower-carbon travel. The tournament showed that when cities paired major events with community action and lasting partnerships, the final whistle marked the beginning of a healthier, more sustainable urban future.

Chess is one of the most ancient, intellectual and cultural games—blending sport, science and art. It promotes fairness, inclusion and mutual respect, fostering tolerance and understanding among nations. Chess also supports the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education and women's empowerment. World Chess Day (20 July) reminds us of the global resonance of this timeless game. Today, let's celebrate chess for its enduring contributions to these shared values. Its lessons are as relevant now as they have ever been.

From Cuba to the World Cup, women are increasingly making their mark as referees.

From football clubs to global sports stars, the world of sport is helping create brighter futures for children. UNICEF partnerships are expanding access to education, digital skills, health, nutrition and safe spaces to play, while promoting children's rights on and off the field. Longtime UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham, who has worked with the organization for over 20 years, highlights the transformative power of education and sport to strengthen families and communities. By bringing together athletes, fans and organizations, these initiatives show that the greatest victories happen when sport creates opportunities, protection and hope for every child.

As women’s sport gains unprecedented recognition, many athletes still face unequal pay, limited opportunities, underrepresentation in leadership, and unsafe environments. Women and girls—especially those with disabilities, migrant backgrounds, or facing intersecting discrimination—continue to overcome systemic barriers both on and off the field. From fair wages and maternity protections to stronger safeguards against violence and greater inclusion in decision-making, achieving true equality requires more than celebrating success. It means ensuring every woman and girl can participate, compete, and thrive with dignity, safety, and equal rights.

Mental health is shaped not only by healthcare systems but also by environments, education, community, digital spaces, and opportunities for connection. This initiative by brings those elements together. Ahead of the 2026 Men's World Cup Final, the "One World, One Game, One Goal" event—hosted with UN Member States Friends of Football—unites global stakeholders, from youth leaders to athletes, to champion football as a driver of youth mental health and well-being. Join the conversation!

From football captains to grassroots activists, voices worldwide are uniting through the Global Alliance for Human Rights to defend dignity, equality, and justice for all.

Call it football or soccer—the World Cup reminds us that while we may be 8 billion people, we are one team united in helping every person thrive on a healthy planet.

For a few weeks, the world looks in the same direction, shaped by the same matches, the same moments, the same emotions. But beyond the stadiums and the spectacle, football has always existed in its simplest form: a ball, a space, and people willing to play. For refugees, football or soccer - it is a chance to dream again. When you have lost everything, that space matters.

Sport has long united people across communities, but its impact now extends far beyond the field. Through partnerships with UNICEF, sports organizations, athletes and fans are helping improve children's lives through education, health and protection programmes worldwide. Recent initiatives include the Inter Miami CF Foundation’s support for education and digital skills in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s efforts to strengthen children’s rights in sport. Building on partnerships with FC Barcelona, EA Sports FC FUTURES and the Women’s Tennis Association Foundation, these collaborations use the power of sport to promote learning, nutrition, wellbeing and opportunity. From football pitches to classrooms, they are helping children develop the skills, confidence and support needed to thrive.

Like a quiet river flowing through time, yoga offers a path to vitality at every age. On 21 June, the International Day of Yoga celebrates the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting its value for people of all ages. By combining gentle movement, stretching, breathwork, and mindfulness, yoga supports balance, flexibility, strength, emotional well-being, and stress management. Adaptable to all abilities, it helps older adults stay active, independent, and engaged while advancing World Health Organization goals for healthy ageing. Follow the International Day of Yoga event.

Football teaches us that the greatest matches are played as a team. And the future is, too.

Regular physical activity of moderate intensity – such as walking, cycling, or doing sports – has significant benefits for health. World Bicycle Day (3 June) celebrates the bicycle for being a simple, affordable, and reliable way to travel for over 200 years. It is a great, clean choice for keeping both our bodies and our planet healthy.

Sport has the power to promote peace, development, health and gender equality, while also helping reduce poverty. As the world’s most popular sport, with four billion fans, football brings people together, strengthens communities and bridges differences. Ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the UN recently marked World Football Day (25 May) with a special event featuring speeches, video messages and a vibrant mini-tournament. On this day, let us celebrate the universal spirit of football and harness its influence to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity.

UNHCR has launched the “Gamechanging Team,” a symbolic football squad captained by Canadian star Alphonso Davies, to spotlight the resilience and talent of refugees worldwide ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Featuring players and coaches with displacement backgrounds, the initiative highlights how sport can create opportunity, inclusion, and hope. UNHCR says the campaign aims to challenge stereotypes around refugees while drawing attention to the record number of people forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, and climate crises around the world.