PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: The United Nations is celebrating World Football Day on 25th May 2026 , honoring the sport’s unparalleled ability to foster peace, unity, and sustainable development worldwide. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2024, May 25 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first truly international football tournament in 1924.

As the world’s most popular sport, football promotes core values such as teamwork, respect, and fair play. It serves as a powerful vehicle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by advancing health, education, gender equality, and social inclusion. From grassroots programs empowering youth in conflict zones to global campaigns promoting peace and diplomacy, the beautiful game continues to bridge divides and uphold universal human values.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just weeks away, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, excitement is building for this landmark 48-team tournament. The event promises to showcase football’s unifying spirit across North America, drawing millions together in celebration of shared passion and global solidarity.