The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, with matches taking place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States – the first time in history the tournament has been hosted across three countries. As global attention turns to the competition, it is also a reminder that sports do not exist apart from the wider social issues shaping our world.
Sports are often called the great equalizer, a space where talent matters more than where you’re from. But the reality is more complicated. The same issues we see across society, including racism, gender inequality, disability representation, and unequal access, also show up in sport.
That’s because sports are a microcosm of society. The systems that exclude people elsewhere do not disappear just because someone is wearing a jersey.
So what does that mean for young people who love sports and want them to live up to their promise?
What Sports Actually Shows Us
Suday is a youth designer in our sports course. He said something that resonates: “Everyone says ‘if the world was like sports, we’d be better off.’ But that’s not true. Sports have all the same injustices as society does.”
He’s right. Sports can bring people together. It’s good for your body and your mind, but it can also surface inequality, racism, unhealthy competition and exclude certain groups of people.
What Young People Are Actually Doing About It
Our youth designer asked other young athletes from all over the world how they fight back against bias in their community.
Julius, United States
Julius reads about racial injustice. He talks about it. He creates spaces where people can actually have those hard conversations without shutting down.
Maha, Jordan
Maha doesn’t let the barriers stop her. She works hard. She puts videos on social media of women playing, practicing, competing.
Michaela, United States
Michaela talks to her teammates. She tells them it’s okay to care about school and sports. When someone doesn’t understand, she explains it to them.
Jake, Mexico, Ecuador, United States
Jake recognizes that sports can bring people together but we have to recognize our differences and actually get to know people. Sports gives young people a real shot at education and opportunity.
Creating Change In Your Community
Our Sport Course explores the meaning of sports in local communities, the opportunities and costs of participating in sports, as well as how access, resources, and opportunities differ for athletes due to different circumstances and conditions.
Learn what you can do today to start making a change in your community.
Global Nomads uses the power of storytelling to promote empathy and bring social topics to life through day-to-day realities. Participating youth read authentic, impactful stories from youth participants around the world that reveal deep truths about global issues, then enhance the conversation by sharing their own stories.
