In a move blending global sports, celebrity influence, and philanthropy, Ivanka Trump has secured a prominent new role connected to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The former White House senior advisor has been appointed to the board of a major $100 million education and social impact project, a joint initiative by FIFA and the Global Citizen nonprofit organization.
A Star-Studded Board for a Global Goal
Ivanka Trump will not be navigating this endeavor alone. She joins an impressive roster of international icons on the advisory board, including 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams, global music superstar Shakira, and Brazilian soccer legend Kaká. According to FIFA, this board will provide strategic guidance to maximize the fund's reach and impact, leveraging the massive platform of the world's most-watched sporting event.
The project itself is uniquely funded, drawing its resources directly from the excitement surrounding the 2026 tournament. A portion of the ticket sales from the World Cup, which has already seen over one million tickets sold in its initial phase, will fuel this $100 million initiative aimed at education and poverty alleviation.
Stepping Away from Politics, Stepping Into Global Sports
This appointment marks a significant shift for Ivanka Trump, who has publicly distanced herself from the political arena. Earlier this year, she announced she would not be involved in her father's 2024 presidential campaign, stating a desire to leave the "darkness" of politics behind. "I love policy and impact. I hate politics. And unfortunately, the two are not separable," she remarked during a podcast appearance, expressing her reluctance to welcome the negativity of that world into her life.
However, her new position on this FIFA-backed board demonstrates a continued interest in high-profile policy and philanthropic work, just on a global sports stage rather than a domestic political one. The role was reportedly facilitated by an appointment from former President Donald Trump.
The Road to 2026: A Tournament of Firsts
All eyes are now turning toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which promises to be a historic event. For the first time, the tournament will be co-hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The action kicks off on June 11, 2026, and is set to be the largest World Cup in history, featuring an expanded field of 48 teams.
Ticket demand has been unprecedented. "We already have seen massive interest from around the world for this tournament, and especially from within the host countries," said Heimo Schirgi, the tournament’s chief operating officer. A second sales phase is now underway, offering dedicated time slots for fans in the host countries as a thank-you for their support.
With the event being hosted on American soil, political figures are expected to be in attendance. The original report suggests fans should anticipate seeing former President Donald Trump at matches next year, adding another layer of spectacle to the global gathering.
Ivanka Trump's new role underscores how the World Cup's legacy aims to extend far beyond the final whistle. By connecting the tournament's commercial success to charitable causes through influential figures, FIFA is betting on a lasting social impact that matches the sporting grandeur of the event itself.
