FMA Hosts Historic Event at the UN Headquarters

The FIFA Master Alumni Association marked a defining milestone in its history on 17 July 2026 by playing a leading role in the organisation of One World, One Game, One Goal – Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well-Being, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Taking place just two days before the FIFA World Cup Final, the event brought together senior United Nations officials, government representatives, football leaders, athletes, academics, civil society organisations and young people from around the world to explore how football can become a powerful driver of youth mental health, well-being and social inclusion.

For the FIFA Master Alumni Association, the day represented far more than participation in a prestigious international event. Having worked alongside the United Nations Youth Office from the earliest stages of the initiative, the FMA helped shape both the programme and the conversations, reinforcing the Association's growing role as a trusted global partner using football to address some of society's most pressing challenges.

A landmark gathering in the General Assembly Hall

The centrepiece of the day was the Global Celebration of Football and Youth Mental Health in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, where the FIFA Master Alumni Association was prominently represented throughout the programme.

One of the event's highlights was the attendance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who joined the celebration as the Guest of Honour. His presence followed the joint invitation extended by the FIFA Master Alumni Association and the United Nations Youth Office during the FMA Congress held at FIFA Headquarters in Zurich in September 2025, making his attendance the culmination of an invitation first presented nearly a year earlier.

Representing the Association, FMA President Pedro Trengrouse delivered a keynote address highlighting football's unique capacity to promote mental well-being and social impact. He also reaffirmed the FIFA Master Alumni Association's commitment to working alongside the United Nations Youth Office and its partners to transform the power of sport into lasting action.

The expertise of the FIFA Master Alumni community was also showcased throughout the programme. Among the alumni taking part as speakers were Syed Mohsen Gilani, President of the Pakistan Football Federation, and Ratu Tisha Destria, Vice President of the Football Association of Indonesia, who participated in a panel discussion on the United Nations Youth Office Football for Mental Health Initiative. Their participation reflected the diversity of leadership and experience that exists within the FIFA Master network and its continuing contribution to the global football ecosystem.

An evening focused on lasting social impact

Following the conclusion of the UN programme, the FIFA Master Alumni Association co-hosted a VIP Reception at the Delegates Dining Room together with the United Nations Youth Office and the NO MORE Foundation.

Attended by more than 30 FIFA Master Alumni alongside distinguished guests from sport, diplomacy, business and civil society, the reception built on the day's discussions while turning attention to another urgent global priority: preventing violence against women and girls through football.

Looking ahead to the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027, participants explored how the global football community can work together to promote healthy relationships, equality, safeguarding and a world free from gender-based violence.

A particularly meaningful moment of the evening came when members of the FIFA Master Alumni Women's Group took the stage to deliver a joint statement supporting the vision led by the United Nations Youth Office, UNESCO, UN Women and the NO MORE Foundation. Speaking on behalf of the group, Kristina Fraesdorf reaffirmed the Women's Group's commitment to mobilising the expertise and global network of FIFA Master Alumni in support of this movement. Standing alongside her were Nathalie Wallin, Honey Thaljieh, Lili Borisova, Lace Hallendorf, Aisha Nazia, Thalia Mitsi and Ratu Tisha Destria.

The highlight of the 2026 FMA World Gathering

The United Nations programme represented the highlight of the second part of the FIFA Master Alumni Association's 2026 World Gathering.

The first part took place in Mexico City on 29 and 30 June, bringing together alumni for the FMA Congress, networking activities and a FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match.

The second part, held in New York, combined unique professional opportunities with unforgettable football experiences. In addition to the landmark event at the United Nations Headquarters, FIFA Master Alumni attended Confut USA, where many alumni participated as speakers. Participants also enjoyed an exclusive visit to the Major League Soccer (MLS) headquarters, organised by Confut.

To complete an extraordinary week, FIFA Master Alumni also had the opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. It was the first time in the Association's history that the FMA was able to offer its members access to football's biggest match.

Looking ahead

The success of One World, One Game, One Goal and the broader 2026 FMA World Gathering marks another important chapter in the evolution of the FIFA Master Alumni Association.

The Association extends its sincere gratitude to the United Nations Youth Office, UNESCO, UN Women, the NO MORE Foundation, Confut, Major League Soccer, all partner organisations, speakers, volunteers and FIFA Master Alumni whose commitment and collaboration made this remarkable week possible.

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