Philadelphia, PA - Building on the global excitement following the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw in Washington, D.C., McGraw Productions proudly announces the inaugural World Peace Project to kick off in the summer of 2026.
This global initiative was inspired by Pope Leo XIV during the Vatican’s Jubilee of Sport in June 2025, where His Eminence called on the world to “be missionaries of hope, working to build a culture of solidarity, fraternity, and peace through faith and sports.” Organizers of The World Peace Project will invite students, faith leaders, coaches, administrators, student athletes, sports legends, and artists to participate in events and programs through the universal language of sports, culture, and music as we celebrate the world coming to the U.S. and Philadelphia next year.
World Peace Gala - June 12th- 7:00 pm - World Café Live
A star-studded Red Carpet Gala event featuring Philadelphia celebrity chefs paired with soccer legends, local celebrities, live music, and entertainment. The gala will be immediately followed by a World Cup Watch Party to kick off the first game, featuring the U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Paraguay in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
World Cup Watch Party - June 12th - 9:00 PM - World Café Live
Special guests include Legends for Peace featuring former U.S. National Team members, MLS players, and international soccer stars. Legendary athletes to be announced soon.
Youth Peace Summit - (Location and date TBA)
Hosted by Sport at the Service of Humanity and McGraw Productions, the Youth Peace Summit aims to unite youth, faith leaders, coaches, and educational administrators to participate in a day of dialogue, inspiration, and community-building. Topics for the conference will include the responsible use of AI and social media, conflict resolution, teamwork, and global citizenship.
Youth Soccer Clinics - (Location and date TBA)
Under the direction of Coach Roberto Ferman, former New York Cosmos (1982) and head of GGG Soccer Academy, Legends for Peace will conduct clinics for local soccer teams and inner-city youth, providing them with the opportunity to participate in the excitement of the World Cup.
About McGraw Productions
The World Peace Project is produced by McGraw Productions, a sports and entertainment production, management, and marketing company based in Philadelphia, led by veteran sports executive Diane McGraw. As the former Executive Director of the Philadelphia Sports Congress, McGraw previously produced two landmark U.S. Men’s National Team matches, USA vs. Dnepr. Ukraine (1989), at Franklin Field, and USA vs. Sheffield Wednesday (1991) at Veterans Stadium, each drawing record-breaking crowds of over 45,000. McGraw later oversaw Philadelphia’s bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup. She subsequently served as President of the Orlando Sports Commission, and was on the Orlando World Cup Host Committee. As President/CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, she helped the group host the CONCACAF Gold Cup at the LA Coliseum.
“I am so excited to finally see the World Cup come to Philadelphia. We were the first city to step up back in ’94, and I know the Philadelphia Host Committee will put on a stellar event,” said Diane McGraw, President of McGraw Productions. “We are excited to have the World Peace Project play a small part in the city-wide celebration.”In addition to the World Peace Project, her initiative Legends for Peace brought more than 25 international soccer legends to Philadelphia in 2022 to support disaster-relief efforts in Ukraine. The Legends will be returning to Philadelphia to join in the World Peace Project.
The World Peace Project is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, Sansar and World Café Live.
Media Contact
Company Name: McGraw Productions
Contact Person: Diane McGraw
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://www.mcgrawproductions.com/
