10 Ways to Maximize FIFA World Cup Social Legacy
I’ll never forget the moment Gary Lineker scored against West Germany in Italia 1990—a defining crescendo in a tournament that consumed me entirely, from the first whistle to the last. Somewhere, tucked away like a treasure, is my well-worn Panini sticker book—a lasting piece of that unforgettable summer.
When the final whistle blows and the stadium lights dim in 2026, millions more kids worldwide will have fallen in love with soccer—but the true victory lies in how we measure its impact on the communities it touches.
This legacy can transform communities, unlocking opportunities and creating a sustainable impact long after the tournament. Having worked on five FIFA World Cup social legacy projects, I’ve seen what works and doesn’t when delivering meaningful, long-term change.
Here are 10 strategies to maximize the social legacy of a FIFA World Cup or any large-scale sporting event:
1. Community Ownership is Essential
The most impactful legacy initiatives are those the local community embraces as their own. From the very beginning, involve community members in co-designing and implementing projects. Whether it’s repurposing stadiums, creating new play spaces, or launching youth programs, empowering the community to actively participate in the planning, delivery, and long-term sustainability is essential to ensure lasting success.
2. Integrate Legacy into Delivery
Legacy isn’t something you can tack on at the end. It must be integral to the event’s strategy, with clear goals, measurable outcomes, and allocated budgets at every stage. Thinking about legacy from day one ensures it’s not overshadowed by the immediate demands of the tournament.
3. Focus on Capacity Building
Social legacy is most impactful when it invests in people. Train local leaders, coaches, and volunteers to sustain programs once the event ends. Capacity building equips communities with the skills and confidence to continue growing the legacy independently.
4. Collaborate with Local Organizations
Grassroots organizations know their communities best. Partnering with them accelerates impact by tapping into their networks, expertise, and trust. These collaborations help build initiatives that are relevant, culturally appropriate, and deeply rooted in local needs.
5. Align with Broader Social Goals
The power of sport lies in its ability to drive wider social change. Connect your initiatives to global or local development priorities, like gender equality, youth empowerment, or public health. For instance, using soccer programs to teach life skills or promote healthy lifestyles can create ripple effects far beyond the field.
6. Invest in Inclusive Programming
True legacy means leaving no one behind. Design programs that are accessible to underserved groups, including girls, women, differently-abled individuals, and marginalized communities. Create safe, welcoming spaces that reflect local culture and address barriers to participation.
7. Plan for Long-Term Sustainability
A legacy that lasts requires a roadmap for sustainability. Build governance structures, secure maintenance funds, and explore community-led revenue models. The aim is to reduce dependency on external support and equip communities to grow these initiatives independently.
8. Use Data and Storytelling to Showcase Impact
Impact needs to be both measured and shared. Use data to demonstrate the tangible benefits of your projects and amplify those findings with storytelling. Human stories—of children discovering soccer, of women breaking barriers, or of communities reclaiming their spaces—bring the numbers to life and inspire further support.
9. Leverage Partnerships and Sponsorships
No one builds a legacy alone. Collaborate with sponsors, governments, and NGOs to secure funding and technical expertise. Engage these stakeholders as partners, ensuring their contributions align with your vision for a meaningful legacy.
10. Adapt to Local Contexts and Evolving Needs
Avoid a cookie-cutter approach. Each community is unique, with its own culture, challenges, and opportunities. Tailor your projects to fit the local context, and stay flexible to adapt to changing needs as the initiative evolves.
A Philosophy to Guide It All: More Than a Place to Play
The best legacies go beyond physical infrastructure. While new fields, stadiums, or facilities are valuable, the true legacy lies in how these spaces bring communities together, foster a sense of belonging, and create growth opportunities.
A FIFA World Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a chance to leave a mark on the world. By focusing on community ownership, sustainability, and inclusivity, we can create legacies that resonate for generations.
"More Than A Place to Play" is the guiding mantra of love.fútbol, an organization whose Philly Plays initiative I am proud to lead in partnership with the Pincus Family Foundation. This simple yet powerful phrase embodies love.fútbol’s community-driven approach to creating safe play spaces—an ethos that inspires us to look beyond physical infrastructure and focus on building stronger, more connected communities.