The Homeless World Cup Foundation has launched the Impact Stadium, an ambitious global fundraising campaign that aims to unite 115,000 football supporters from around the world in a virtual arena during the 2026 World Cup tournament.

For just £5, fans can purchase a symbolic seat, with every contribution helping to fund football programmes that support people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion across 75 countries.

The inspiration comes from one of football’s most iconic moments. The 1986 World Cup Final at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca attracted a record crowd of 114,600 spectators.

Forty years later, as the 2026 tournament returns to the city, the Homeless World Cup Foundation wants to surpass that figure, not in a physical stadium, but through a worldwide movement driven by compassion and community.

The campaign carries a simple message: Take a Seat. Change a Life.

Unlike a traditional match ticket, buying a seat in the Impact Stadium won’t secure a view of the action on the pitch. Instead, it represents a commitment to helping someone rebuild their confidence, find belonging and access life-changing support through football.

If the virtual stadium sells out, the campaign could support around 5,000 people every year while strengthening programmes delivered by the Homeless World Cup Foundation’s extensive network of member countries.

Funding will help provide mentoring, recovery pathways and opportunities for individuals who have experienced homelessness, proving that football’s influence stretches far beyond ninety minutes.

Since its foundation in 2003, the Homeless World Cup has positively impacted more than 1.7 million lives worldwide, reaching over 220,000 people each year through community football initiatives designed to restore hope and create opportunity.

The campaign will feature inspiring player stories, supporter challenges, social media activations and fundraising milestones as it builds momentum towards the 2027 Homeless World Cup in Mexico City’s famous Zócalo Square.

Supported by presenting partner Genius Sports, the initiative is designed to become one of the largest football-for-good movements ever created, bringing together fans, businesses, clubs and communities behind a shared purpose.