More than 50 young athletes converged on the National Mall this week, turning the iconic grounds into a vibrant soccer arena in the lead‑up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
A Festival of Futures
The one‑day festival, staged in the newly created FIFA Fan Zone, featured 7‑on‑7 mini matches on a walled‑in pitch, skill drills, and a series of interactive stations designed to showcase the joy of the sport.
Organizers — including Visa, Bank of America, Street Soccer USA, Street Child United and DC Scores — used the platform to highlight the need for affordable, accessible soccer programs across the United States.
Community Voices
Lawrence Cann, chief executive of Street Soccer USA, emphasized that “every child deserves a safe place to play,” noting that cost should never be a barrier to participation in sport.
Sixteen‑year‑old goalkeeper Cristoval Cartar shared how DC Scores transformed his game, providing not only a field but a supportive community that helped him pursue his passion despite financial constraints.
The event also introduced a BofA Fan Band keepsake, a memento that participants will carry into the global tournament, while the Soccer at Schools initiative aims to extend similar programming to classrooms nationwide.