With the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching, The Coca‑Cola Company has introduced the Coca‑Cola FC (Future Careers) Academy. This new initiative is designed to provide young people in the United States and Canada with skills and experiences relevant to sports marketing and related industries.
The Coca‑Cola FC Academy offers a digital learning program that includes real-world insights, industry networking, and access to mentors. The curriculum is flexible and module-based, covering areas such as sports marketing, media, sponsorships, creative design, and leadership. These subjects are taught by experts from within Coca‑Cola as well as professionals from the broader sports community.
Participants will be able to earn digital certifications and connect with job opportunities through a dedicated platform powered by TeamWork Online. The upcoming World Cup will also be used as a context for practical learning experiences during 2026.
Alba Baylin, Vice President of Stakeholder and Social Impact Management at The Coca‑Cola Company for North America, stated: “We live by our purpose to refresh the world and make a difference and through experiences like Coca‑Cola FC Academy, we’re investing in the skills, confidence, and career pathways that help young people succeed, while supporting organizations that uplift communities. Whether it’s on the soccer field or off it, we believe our role goes far beyond delivering refreshing beverages and are committed to creating a lasting impact that empowers and benefits the places we serve.”
The academy is delivered through partnerships with bottlers in host cities of the tournament as well as youth organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Best Buddies International, Special Olympics, National CARES Mentoring Movement, Girls Inc., and The King’s Trust Canada.
Jim Clark, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America said: “For over 75 years, Coca‑Cola has been a vital partner in our mission to strengthen local communities. Collaborating with them on the Coca‑Cola FC Academy has been both a privilege and a powerful opportunity to make a difference. This new resource elevates our joint commitment to helping young people build workforce skills, explore different career paths, and prepare for great, successful futures — all through an engaging and interactive experience.”
Jenny Chiu—a professional sports reporter who also serves as a professor for the academy—commented: “I jumped at the opportunity to be part of the Coca‑Cola FC Academy because I immediately recognized the gap it could help fill in the soccer landscape, especially for young people. Coca‑Cola has built an engaging, thoughtful experience that empowers those of us who have benefitted so much from the beautiful game, including myself, to pay it forward and invest in the development of the next generation.”
In addition to launching this educational program ahead of next year’s tournament play in North America—where the event will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico,andthe United States—Coca-Cola continues its long-standing involvement with FIFA since 1978.
The company also supports other economic empowerment programs aimed at entrepreneurship development; workforce readiness; educational advancement; particularly targeting underserved communities across host cities in both countries.
