Shakira Calls on World Leaders to Back FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund for Children Impacted by Venezuela Earthquakes

LOS ANGELES — Global music superstar Shakira is once again using the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup to champion education, releasing a new personal video message urging governments and football fans around the world to help ensure the 2026 FIFA World Cup leaves a lasting humanitarian legacy beyond the game itself.

In the direct-to-camera appeal released Monday, the Colombian singer called on governments and football-loving nations to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a global initiative aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to education and sport-based learning opportunities for children worldwide.  

Shakira placed particular focus on children in Venezuela, where devastating earthquakes recently destroyed hundreds of schools and disrupted education for thousands of students. She announced that $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will be directed to organizations helping children return to classrooms and continue their education following the disaster.  

In her message, Shakira thanked Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for their early support of the initiative. Portugal announced an immediate $100,000 contribution, while Canada committed $5 million to the education fund, significantly boosting the campaign’s momentum.  

The Grammy-winning artist also appealed directly to French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, encouraging both leaders to join the growing coalition of governments backing the fund.

The campaign is part of a broader effort by Global Citizen and FIFA to transform the world’s biggest sporting event into a catalyst for long-term educational investment. Rather than limiting the tournament’s impact to the pitch, organizers hope the World Cup’s global audience can help improve educational opportunities for millions of children in underserved communities.  

Shakira concluded her message by encouraging viewers to visit Global Citizen’s Venezuela campaign page to learn more and support the initiative.

The campaign has attracted support from an expanding roster of international figures. New videos released alongside Shakira’s message feature singer Charlie Puth, chef Marcus Samuelsson, Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, all encouraging football fans to rally behind the cause.