June 10 – Baltimore-Maryland’s 2026 World Cup host bid has been bolstered by the signing of a partnership agreement with the Football for Peace Foundation (FFP), with the aim of creating new youth and community development programmes across Maryland through international cultural exchange initiatives.
Baltimore is one of 17 city hopefuls jostling for one of the ten 2026 hosting slots in the US. The decision on final hosts is expected at the end of the year.
The partnership with FFP will include a Charity Peace Match in celebration of football’s ability to transcend borders and overcome differences as well as the appointment of an FFP Young Peace Envoy to champion Baltimore’s efforts to gain City for Peace status.
Terrance Hasseltine, president of Baltimore-Maryland 2026 and executive director of Maryland Sports Commission, said:“Our entire bid to host 2026 World Cup matches in Baltimore-Maryland is centered around leaving long term, tangible impacts transforming the social, cultural and economic landscapes of our proud city and state.
“Baltimore-Maryland is already home to one of the most diverse communities across North America and our new partnership with Football for Peace will use football as a platform to offer young adults and children from all backgrounds new opportunities to develop important life skills.”
FFP uses football to raise awareness of social and environmental issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals set by the U.N. General Assembly.
Baltimore-Maryland’s bid has put the creation of football legacies at the front of its campaign to be one of the 2026 host cities via the launch of its ‘International Football Development 2026’ (IFD26) initiative which offers regions around the world support where sports and football development resources may be limited.
The FFP hook-up will see a locally hosted symposium to share models of learning with colleagues across North America as well as the launch of an FFP Young Leaders program to build and implement local community ties throughout Maryland.
Maryland Lt. Governor and Baltimore-Maryland 2026 co-chair, Boyd K. Rutherford, said:“Sports, and particularly football, not only have tremendous power to create positive connections between individuals and communities, but also teach values that will make a better world for us all. Partnering with Football for Peace will facilitate positive change in the lives of thousands of young people in Maryland and provide an opportunity for transformative changes in our region.”
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