Three nations competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 have taken their historic campaigns beyond the pitch, opening their Team Base Camps to local youngsters as part of the FIFA and World Health Organization (WHO) Be Active initiative — a joint programme that encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Haiti welcomes the next generation in New Jersey

At Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, Haiti hosted a community day that brought local youth teams onto the pitch for drills and a rare chance to meet World Cup players. The occasion carried extra weight for a side returning to the tournament for the first time in 52 years.

Striker Wison Isidor said the connection with young fans mattered deeply. "You know what it is like to just meet some professional player. That's so important for them for learning," Isidor said. He added that no matter how tight preparation schedules become, time with children is never wasted. "The kids, they are the future of that world. It doesn't matter what time I have to lose for all of them — it's really important just to spend time with them and help them to learn."

Greg Ruttler, Head Men's Soccer Coach at Stockton University, called the sessions invaluable. "I wish I had the opportunity to do this when I was this young age. The Be Active campaign and meeting national team players — there's nothing cooler," he said.

Curaçao spreads joy in Boca Raton

At Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton — the official training base for Curaçao, the smallest nation by population and land mass ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup — the Blue Wave ran a community training session full of energy and purpose. Assistant Coach Giovanni Franken led warm-ups and small-sided games for an enthusiastic crowd.

Defender Juriën Gaari stressed the importance of sport beyond the scoreline. "I believe sport is very important for your body as well as your mental health. Playing sport every day, simply going for a 20-minute walk outside or playing football for a bit, is important for staying fit and feeling good mentally," he said.

Forward Kenji Gorré drew on Curaçao's remarkable qualification story to inspire the children. "I think we've really shown that anything is possible," Gorré said. "I hope that translates to the next generation to know that their dreams can also come true."

Uzbekistan makes history in Atlanta

In Marietta, Georgia, Uzbekistan opened the doors of their Team Base Camp — the home ground of Major League Soccer side Atlanta United — to young players from across the local area. For a squad representing the country's first-ever World Cup appearance, the day held profound significance.

Midfielder Odiljon Xamrobekov reflected on the warmth of the occasion. "It was a really enjoyable session for us as well, and seeing the happiness of the children makes us happy too," he said. "Here in Atlanta, we have received a very warm welcome and great hospitality — everything is excellent."

George Rodriguez, Atlanta United Camps and Clinics Manager, underlined the lasting value of such events. "It helps them behaviour-wise, to be able to release all the energy they have as kids, to be out in the open. In the end, it helps them in school, in relationships, everything — I think it is really important," he said.

The Be Active campaign was launched in collaboration with the WHO ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in response to research showing that four out of five children worldwide are not getting enough physical activity.