June 11, 2026 – Toronto, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), today announced that Canada is committing $5 million in funding over four years to Right To Play International to help improve access to quality basic education for children and youths in vulnerable regions around the world.

Announced on the International Day of Play and on the eve of the first FIFA World Cup 2026™ match in Canada, this investment reflects Canada’s commitment to advancing innovative approaches to education and child development through sport and play.

This funding will support the project No Child on the Sidelines, which is implemented by Right To Play International in collaboration with Global Citizen. It is also aligned with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund campaign to mobilize US$100 million for education and sports-based learning globally. The initiative will strengthen locally led, play- and sport-based education programming that promotes quality learning and the well-being of children and youths in underserved communities.

This effort will:

• bring play and sports-based learning to children across Africa, the Middle East and South Asia—including those affected by conflict, displacement and crisis
• invest in local leadership through subgrants to civil society organizations to scale and sustain community-based programming that supports children’s learning, protection and well-being while strengthening their collective voice through a global network

The program is expected to reach around 60,000 children and youths, as well as coaches, teachers and community facilitators.

Canada’s investment will be leveraged through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund campaign to mobilize additional financing and partnerships to expand access to quality education and sport-based programming for children and youths worldwide.

Secretary of State Sarai will highlight this announcement this evening at Right To Play’s Heroes Gala in Toronto, Ontario.