⚽ Futbol and Books: Kicking Off Literacy for America’s Youngest Learners During World Cup 2026

 

As the world turns its eyes to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a national education campaign is preparing to use that spotlight for something far more lasting than a championship trophy. It’s called Futbol and Books — a bold, youth-driven initiative to address one of America’s most pressing and under-addressed crises: early childhood illiteracy.

More than 30 million Americans struggle with basic reading skills. And according to years of research, those struggles often begin before a child even sets foot in a classroom. Millions of children — particularly in underserved communities — enter kindergarten without ever owning a book. Without early exposure to language and literacy, their chances of catching up diminish dramatically.

Futbol and Books aims to change that story by placing one million new, age-appropriate books into the hands of children ages 3 to 5 across all 11 U.S. World Cup host cities.

A Campaign Powered by Soccer and Community Action

Organized by NJ MED (New Jersey Minority Educational Development), a nonprofit with Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the campaign connects the passion of soccer with the power of education.

During the lead-up to and throughout the 2026 World Cup, the campaign will mobilize:

• Youth soccer leagues to lead community book drives
• Student groups and volunteers to collect and distribute books
• National partners to provide support, logistics, and prizes

Participating teams will have the chance to win World Cup match tickets, soccer gear, and national recognition for collecting the most books. All books must be new and intended for children ages 3 to 5, helping ensure quality and developmental relevance.

Confirmed Partners and Outreach

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) — the nation’s largest literacy nonprofit — is already on board to help guide book distribution and educational impact. Additional outreach is underway with organizations like the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and World Cup sponsors, inviting them to bring their resources and networks to the table.

More Than a Campaign — A Legacy

The campaign’s vision isn’t just to support literacy for one summer — it’s to create a host-nation legacy that shows how major sporting events can drive lasting, community-based change.

By aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), the campaign gives young people a tangible way to lead change, and gives World Cup sponsors, cities, and fans a chance to contribute to a movement that lives beyond the final whistle.

“We’re not just collecting books,” says Albert Mitchell, CEO of NJ MED. “We’re creating readers, leaders, and communities that believe in opportunity — and we’re using the world’s most popular sport to do it.”

How You Can Help

• Donate a new book for a child aged 3–5
• Volunteer with a youth team or a local book drive
• Sponsor or support the campaign in your city
• Share the message: Literacy is a game-changer

To learn more or get involved, visit www.worldtop20.org or contact NJ MED at support@worldtop20.org