Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo 47 Invest in Community Soccer Programs Ahead of 2026 World Cup
As the anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be jointly hosted across North America, Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo 47 / WNJU are demonstrating a commitment to community impact beyond the sporting event itself. In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Soccer Forward Foundation, the media giants have announced the distribution of $600,000 in grants to 17 nonprofit organizations. This initiative, known as the Vamos World Cup Initiative, aims to leverage the power of soccer to create opportunities, foster leadership skills, and strengthen communities in host cities and beyond. Modern York-area organizations New York SCORES and Uptown Soccer are among the recipients, receiving funding to expand their programs and reach more young people.
The Vamos World Cup Initiative is deeply integrated with Telemundo’s broader community engagement strategy, “Tu Momento. Tu Jugada.” – Telemundo’s Next Play – a nationwide program designed to inspire and empower the next generation through sport. This initiative underscores a growing recognition of the social responsibility that accompanies large-scale sporting events, and a desire to leave a lasting positive legacy in the communities that host them. The grants are strategically allocated, with two local nonprofits selected in each of the eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ host cities served by Telemundo-owned stations, alongside support for the national organization Soccer Without Borders.
The funding is being facilitated through Comcast NBCUniversal, with Soccer Forward playing a crucial role in identifying and vetting the recipient organizations. Telemundo 47 has pledged to actively partner with the local nonprofits, providing media coverage and organizing community engagement events both leading up to and during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. This collaborative approach aims to amplify the impact of the grants and raise awareness of the vital work these organizations are doing.
Supporting Youth Development Through Soccer in New York
New York SCORES and Uptown Soccer, the two New York-area nonprofits selected for funding, represent distinct but complementary approaches to leveraging soccer for positive youth development. New York SCORES, a legacy organization stemming from the 1994 World Cup, provides free after-school programs to approximately 500 public school students across Uptown Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. New York SCORES uniquely integrates soccer with poetry and service-learning, fostering holistic development in young participants. The organization’s model emphasizes teamwork, self-expression, and community engagement.
Uptown Soccer, operating primarily in Uptown New York and the Bronx, focuses on ensuring equitable access to the sport. Uptown Soccer believes that all youth, regardless of their socioeconomic background, deserve the opportunity to participate in sports and experience the benefits of teamwork and physical activity. The organization’s programs are deeply rooted in the local community, providing a safe and supportive environment for young players to develop their skills and character.
Expanding the Reach of the Vamos World Cup Initiative
Beyond New York, the Vamos World Cup Initiative is extending its reach to other host cities across the United States. Grant recipients and their corresponding Telemundo-owned stations include organizations in Los Angeles (Telemundo 52 / KVEA), Philadelphia (Telemundo62 / WWSI), Dallas (Telemundo 39 / KXTX), Houston (Telemundo Houston / KTMD), San Francisco (Telemundo 48 / KSTS), Boston (Telemundo Boston / WNEU), and Miami (Telemundo 51). This geographically diverse approach ensures that the initiative’s impact is felt across a broad spectrum of communities.
The selection of these organizations reflects a commitment to supporting programs that address critical social needs through the unifying power of soccer. The $600,000 in funding will enable these nonprofits to expand their existing programs, reach more participants, and enhance their overall impact. The initiative also aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring other organizations and individuals to invest in community-based soccer programs.
Telemundo’s Comprehensive World Cup Coverage and Community Commitment
This philanthropic effort is part of a larger strategy by Telemundo and Comcast NBCUniversal to deliver comprehensive coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Telemundo will provide the most expansive Spanish-language coverage in U.S. History, broadcasting all 104 matches live across its television and streaming platforms – with all matches streaming on Peacock, 92 on Telemundo, and 12 on Universo. The network is investing heavily in state-of-the-art sets, live crews in all 16 host cities, and studio teams in Mexico City, Miami, and New York to provide an immersive viewing experience for fans.
Eric Lerner, President & General Manager of Telemundo 47 & NBC 4 New York, emphasized the importance of community, teamwork, and unity in defining both the FIFA World Cup and the Vamos World Cup Initiative. He highlighted the role of New York SCORES and Uptown Soccer in strengthening the Tri-State communities and bringing neighborhoods together. This sentiment underscores the belief that the World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity, promote social cohesion, and inspire positive change.
The Tu Momento. Tu Jugada. initiative, launched in December 2025, serves as the overarching framework for Telemundo’s community engagement efforts surrounding the World Cup. This program aims to create access, opportunity, and mentorship experiences for young people, helping them turn their passion for soccer into a pathway for personal and professional growth. Telemundo’s commitment extends beyond the pitch, recognizing the importance of leaving a lasting impact on the communities that host the tournament.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 FIFA World Cup and Beyond
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is poised to be one of the most-watched and impactful sporting events in history. With the tournament just months away, the Vamos World Cup Initiative is already making a tangible difference in communities across the country. The grants to New York SCORES and Uptown Soccer, along with the other recipient organizations, will empower these nonprofits to continue their vital work, providing opportunities for young people to thrive through the power of soccer.
As the World Cup approaches, Telemundo 47 will continue to spotlight the grant recipients and amplify their impact through media coverage and community engagement events. This collaborative effort will not only raise awareness of these organizations but also inspire others to get involved and support their missions. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable legacy of positive change that extends far beyond the final whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The next key date to watch is June 11, 2026, the official start of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament. As the games begin, Telemundo will be broadcasting comprehensive coverage in Spanish, and the Vamos World Cup Initiative will be showcasing the impact of its community investments. We encourage readers to learn more about New York SCORES and Uptown Soccer, and to consider supporting their work. Share this article with your network to help spread awareness of this vital initiative and the power of soccer to transform lives.