Four community leaders from across the globe have touched down in Mexico City, kicking off a month-long programme as part of the FIFA Foundation Community Leaders Volunteer Programme — one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Selected from FIFA Foundation-supported organisations in recognition of their work using football to drive positive social change, the participants will take on volunteer assignments tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026 while also taking part in learning sessions, cultural exchanges, and community engagement activities.

Who are the community leaders?

The inaugural cohort was chosen through a competitive selection process. The four participants are Lorenzo Claassen of training4changeS (South Africa), Aldin Vojvoda of Spirit of Football (Germany), Natalia Catalina Hernández Torres of El Río Foundation (Colombia), and José David Osorio Castro of Fundación Tiempo de Juego (Colombia).

Their organisations collectively tackle a wide range of social challenges — from inequality and exclusion to displacement and limited access to opportunities — through football-based programmes centred on education, inclusion, peacebuilding, gender equality, and youth development.

Goals of the programme

FIFA Foundation Executive Chairman Mauricio Macri welcomed the participants, saying: