On March 19, 2026, FIFA released its first comprehensive safeguarding policy, serving as a permanent, institutional and global framework. The policy is meant to outline a “duty of care,” through five operational pillars, including “safeguarding during competitions” and ensuring that children and adults can safely participate in the game in an inclusive and respectful environment.
The organization also released the FIFA World Cup 2026 Child Safeguarding Statement in the same month. The statement acknowledges that because of mega-sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, some children face additional risks due to age, gender, race, socioeconomic environment and other circumstances that may make them vulnerable.
