United Nations launches football‑based mental health drive ahead of World Cup

The United Nations Office of Youth hosted an event on 17 July at its New York headquarters under the theme “One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well‑being.” Delegates from governments, civil society and the private sector discussed a UN report showing that “one in seven young people between 10 and 19 years old has a mental health problem” and that “practising team sports is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety.” The UN aims to use football’s capacity to build community, belonging and personal resilience.

The discussion also looked ahead to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with FIFA Master Alumni Pedro Trengrouse warning that “a country like ours, with its femicide rate, cannot host the Women’s World Cup without addressing gender‑based violence.” In parallel, Brazilian consumer‑protection officials cautioned that online betting (“bets”) linked to the tournament has generated a mental‑health risk, citing a fintech study that Brazilians transferred roughly R$ 944 million to betting sites during the current World Cup, including about R$ 18 million in a single day.

Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN highlighted its participation in the same event, emphasizing football’s role in youth empowerment and noting Pakistan’s contribution as the manufacturer of the official match ball for the 2026 World Cup.