Taking place just ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, this event will convene:

• Young leaders and changemakers
• UN entities and international organizations
• Governments, civil society and private sector partners
• Athletes, advocates and practitioners

Together, participants will showcase solutions, share experiences and drive forward a shared agenda: positioning football not only as a game, but as a catalyst for the mental health and well-being of young people everywhere.

*Final venues to be confirmed 14 days in advance of the event.

This event is part of the United Nations Youth Office¡¯s flagship initiative on Youth Mental Health and Well-being. The initiative advances a bold vision: moving beyond fragmented approaches that treat mental health as solely a clinical or individual concern. Instead, it promotes a holistic ecosystem model, recognizing that well-being is shaped by interconnected dimensions ¡ª including education, housing and digital environments. This approach shifts the focus from symptoms to systems, fostering sustainable and inclusive pathways to well-being for all young people.

Within this ecosystem, sport and physical activity serve as a powerful and practical entry point for transformation. Sport creates spaces where young people can:

• Build a sense of belonging and community
• Develop emotional resilience and regulation
• Engage in positive social interaction and teamwork

Whether as players, fans or volunteers, young people are already deeply connected to sporting environments. This initiative meets them where they are, using sport as a bridge to connection, inclusion and well-being.

At the heart of this effort is Football For Mental Health, a global initiative that leverages football as a universal language for connection and change.

As the world¡¯s most popular sport, football transcends borders, cultures and backgrounds. From rural communities to major urban centres, it offers a unique platform to promote:

• Inclusion and dignity
• Psychosocial development
• Collective resilience

Under the banner ¡°One World, One Game, One Goal," the initiative transforms the field into a platform for advocacy and action.

Join the celebration in July at the UN Headquarters in New York!

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