August 4, 2026
For nine days, Boston became home to the World.
“When you have something in common, everyone can just come together.” – Festival 26 participant
From July 5–13, nearly 300 young people representing 15 countries and 38 delegations came together for Festival 26, an international youth gathering co-hosted by Boston SCORES and France-based nonprofit Sport dans la Ville. Using soccer as a vehicle for connection, Festival 26 focused on leadership development, cultural exchange, and community building.
Festival 26 kicked off with an Opening Ceremony at the Berklee Performance Center, where delegates proudly entered carrying their national flags as the audience erupted in applause. Throughout the week, participants explored Boston, competed in football3 tournaments, attended leadership workshops, visited iconic sites, and learned from athletes and leaders working to advance equity in sport.
At the heart of Festival 26 was football3, an internationally recognized approach to the game that emphasizes communication, respect, inclusion, and conflict resolution alongside competition. The week also created space for Delegation Leaders to connect, including a session with Harvard Kennedy School professor Julie Battilana and a commitment to the Aspen Institute’s Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.
While the World Cup has ended, its legacy will live on in nearly 300 young people who returned home believing their voices matter. It lives on in friendships that now span 15 countries and in leaders who discovered that, even across different languages and cultures, they share far more than what separates them.