This collaboration between FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) was renewed to extend their partnership for four more years, leveraging the global reach of football to promote healthy lifestyles and ensure equitable access to health care worldwide. The renewed memorandum of understanding signals a continued, coordinated effort to use sport as a platform for public health messaging and action that benefits communities across Canada, the United States, and beyond.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus formalized the extension of their collaboration, a process that began with the signing on October 4, 2019, during the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The latest agreement reinforces FIFA’s commitment to work with WHO to empower people of all ages to pursue healthier, safer lives through the power of football and sport. This renewed pact emphasizes evidence-based guidance and shared advocacy to improve health outcomes on a global scale.
In remarks accompanying the renewal, the WHO chief highlighted the enduring synergy between health and football, noting that the partnership has already proven effective in disseminating messages that promote physical activity, safety at stadiums, and overall well-being. The alliance is framed as a testament to how sport can act as a force for positive health choices, reaching diverse audiences in both urban centers and rural communities across North America and around the world.
Looking ahead, the WHO aims to continue advancing health goals through football-driven initiatives. These include promoting healthy lifestyles, ensuring safe stadium environments, and highlighting the physical and mental benefits of regular activity. The collaboration is described as a model for cross-sector action, combining public health expertise with the global reach and cultural influence of FIFA to drive real-world impact over the next several years.
Infantino expressed pride in sustaining FIFA’s relationship with WHO, underscoring the potential to amplify messages about physical and mental health through FIFA’s extensive global audience. The dialogue between the two organizations envisions practical programs and campaigns that translate health recommendations into everyday behaviors for fans, players, families, and communities.
Both leaders stressed a shared belief that unity can yield meaningful improvements even in a world that often feels divided. They suggested that a strong, cooperative effort between the World Health Organization and FIFA could generate modest, yet meaningful, influences on people’s lives. Since 2019, collaboration with WHO has sought to harness the influence of football to improve health outcomes for individuals and societies alike.
FIFA also recalled a history of joint efforts that emerged during critical moments, including campaigns and initiatives connected to major events such as the Qatar World Cup. These efforts included measures designed to curb the spread of infectious disease during the pandemic, with active participation from players and support from government health authorities, as well as policies aimed at reducing tobacco and alcohol use in stadiums and promoting healthier food options.
The discussion further explored digital campaigns addressing a range of health-related issues. Topics covered included mental health awareness (#ReachOut), safety at home (#SafeHome), and recognition of healthcare professionals’ contributions during the pandemic (#HumanitysHeroes). Other focal points included equitable access to vaccines and essential diagnostics, oxygen, and other vital tools (#ACTtogether). A notable outreach effort encouraged fans and FIFA legends to take simple steps to curb virus transmission.