Why soccer players walk out with kids at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Occasionally in other sports, there’s the opportunity for youngsters to take the field with their heroes.

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In world football, or soccer if you prefer, it happens all the time. That includes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where you’ll see kids walking out with the players before most of the matches.

The kids can vary in age. There are boys and girls, different heights, varying degrees of nervousness or excitement.

But at this tournament, and in soccer matches around the world, they’re a common feature.

It’s pretty standard for soccer fans to see, so maybe there isn’t much thought given. But it is different than a lot of other sports.

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Why do kids walk out with soccer players at the World Cup?

This is a tradition that dates back to the 2002 World Cup in South Korea, and it is originally because of a partnership between UNICEF and FIFA.

At the time, UNICEF wrote that the goal was to «promote and protect the right of all children to healthy recreation and quality primary education.»

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UNICEF added that the kids were «reminding football enthusiasts that they have a major role to play in building a world fit for children.»

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Who are the kids walking out with players at the World Cup?

The kids are chosen in a partnership between Quaker Oats and Common Goal, according to ABC.

The program is set to bring 1,400 children onto the pitch for 66 matches across 11 U.S. host cities.

«FIFA World Cup is one of the most universal moments in global sport, bringing people together in a way few things can, and that’s the same powerful connection we see around the breakfast table every day,» Tina Mahal, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Quaker Foods, said in a news release. «At a moment when millions of fans are inspired and energized, we wanted to be part of a bigger conversation—providing resources around daily nutrition for families and communities and inspiring the next generation with moments both on and off the field.»

It appears that this tradition will take place in both co-hosts Mexico and Canada, too, although it will have different sponsors.

A youngster often walks out with the referees and takes the soccer ball, too.

It’s all meant to promote the welfare of children around the globe.

It’s also got to be the experience of a lifetime for these young fans to walk out with World Cup players, and to take in the magnificent scene from pitch level.

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More FIFA World Cup news:

• How playing for South Korea removed mandatory military service for Son Heung-min
• Lamine Yamal hanging out at a Walmart
• Harry Kane reveals blunt feelings about potential England issues in U.S. heat
• Lawrence, Kansas has fallen in love with the Algerian national team
• Germany fan Freddy is going viral for his journey through the American South