UN commemorates World Football Day; member states and partners highlight sport’s role, New York City outlines World Cup investments

The United Nations General Assembly held an event at UN Headquarters in New York marking the inaugural commemoration of World Football Day, a day the General Assembly recognized to celebrate football’s role in promoting inclusion, peace and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Philemon Young, president of the General Assembly, recalled the General Assembly’s decision recognizing May 25 as World Football Day and commended the permanent missions of Bahrain, Libya and Tajikistan for advancing the initiative. "Football has the rare ability to bridge the divides of language, culture, and geography," Young said, framing the day as an occasion to use sport to advance development and peace.

Delegations from dozens of member states delivered short remarks praising football’s social role. Representatives praised the sport as a vehicle for youth engagement, gender equality and international cooperation; several delegations — including Bahrain, Libya, Tajikistan, Qatar, Portugal, Morocco, Mexico and others — noted their support for the resolution and described national programs to promote football at home.

Rastam Emomali, president of the Central Asian Football Association and head of the Football Federation of Tajikistan, and the permanent representatives of Bahrain and Libya addressed the assembly, highlighting national strategies and grassroots programs. Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, appeared in a recorded message and said, "Football is universal and football belongs to everyone."

Camille Joseph Varlach, chief of staff and deputy mayor for the City of New York, described the city’s investments and planning related to upcoming FIFA events. She cited city projects including a new soccer-specific stadium at Willets Point, field renovations in Harlem and expanded after-school programming. Varlach said the city’s executive budget added 20,000 after-school slots for K–5 students and included new funding for after-school programming over multiple years. She also said the city projects the 2026 World Cup could generate between $2.14 billion and $3.45 billion in economic output, with 60 to 70 percent of that projected to benefit New York City.

Brazil’s representative used the occasion to call for stronger measures on racism in football, urging governing bodies and federations to adopt zero-tolerance policies and strengthen accountability. Several delegations highlighted investment priorities for women’s football and grassroots infrastructure in developing countries.

The event included video messages from prominent players and officials, and representatives from FIFA and corporate partners — Adidas was acknowledged as an event supporter. Organizers closed by inviting member states for a group photograph and encouraging children in attendance to take donated balls home.

The commemoration was framed by speakers as symbolic rather than a policy-making session; the General Assembly’s resolution recognizing World Football Day had been adopted previously by member states and was referenced throughout the event.