The campaign debuted this week at the Suleiman Center in Jordan, an orphanage co-founded by Sheikh Omar Suleiman. While global audiences focused on the tournament, children at the center held their own match, highlighting the human reality behind the flags. The Human Development Fund operates across Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, and the United States, providing services ranging from healthcare and education to food assistance. In 2025 alone, the organization reached over 3.5 million people and distributed more than two million hot meals.
Beyond the Pitch: Humanitarian Aid Shifts Focus to World Cup Nations
As the global spotlight turns to international football, the Human Development Fund is shifting attention toward the vulnerable communities residing within seven competing nations. The newly launched Beyond the Pitch initiative aims to provide lasting support for youth development and sports access long after the final match concludes.
Beyond the primary seven nations, the fund is extending its reach to Gaza, where it supports an amputee football program for young people who have lost limbs. According to Abdirahman Kariye, CEO of the Human Development Fund, the tournament serves as an opportunity to introduce the world to the families living in these regions. The initiative is designed to ensure that the temporary intensity of the sporting event translates into tangible, long-term stability for children in need.
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