The Government of Mexico and the WBC Unite for the 2026 Social World Cup: Sports as a Tool for Peace

During the traditional “Martes de Café,” held today at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Mexico City, an unprecedented effort to democratize the impact of major sporting events was announced.

The 2026 Social World Cup Mexico is an initiative that seeks to ensure the spirit of the FIFA World Cup, taking place this year, is not limited to stadiums but instead becomes a driver for social transformation in every neighborhood, school, and community in the country.

The World Boxing Council, led by its President Mauricio Sulaimán, has joined this project, reaffirming that boxing and football will be the pillars for rebuilding the social fabric and promoting a healthy lifestyle during this historic year.
The government strategy is articulated through fundamental pillars designed to integrate the entire population, from children to seniors:
1. School, community, and neighborhood football tournaments.
2. Live Healthy, Play Happy: Mass physical activation programs.
3. Robotics World Cup: Linking sports, science, and technology.
4. Courts and Recovery of Spaces: Rehabilitation of public areas for sports.
5. Urban Art and Murals: Cultural intervention in communities.
Within the framework of the conference, Daniel Aceves Villagrán, General Director of Public Health Policies, made a formal invitation to the WBC to participate in several of these initiatives alongside its boxers and world champions.

The central objective of the Government of Mexico is for the Social World Cup to leave behind a permanent system of competition and activation.

With the coordinated participation of CONADE, SEP, and IMSS, the project aims to impact more than 22 million students and encourage the scouting of new sporting talent across all disciplines.

“Sport is not just health; it is the integrity of the family and the most powerful tool against violence and addiction. This is a great initiative and, without a doubt, the WBC joins with great pleasure,” commented Mauricio Sulaimán.