Shakira & FIFA Join Forces: $500k Pledge for Venezuela Earthquake Relief Shakes the World

Shakira and FIFA have partnered for a significant humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting thousands of children impacted by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. This collaborative effort focuses on providing crucial resources to ensure the continued education of the nation’s youth during the extensive recovery from the natural disaster.

Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which occurred less than a minute apart. These catastrophic events have claimed over 3,300 lives to date, left 16,000 people injured, and displaced more than 17,000, with thousands still unaccounted for. The quakes caused widespread building collapses in the capital city of Caracas and the coastal region of La Guaira, north of Caracas.

In a video announcement, Shakira revealed that the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will allocate $500,000 to assist organizations in Venezuela that are dedicated to helping children whose education has been severely disrupted by this tragedy. The singer expressed her profound commitment to this cause, stating, “Today, millions of children are growing up without the education and opportunities they deserve. That’s why I’m so proud to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.” Trusted local organizations already engaged in relief efforts will be invited to apply for this funding to facilitate children’s return to the classroom, support teachers, and restore access to learning.

Shakira’s involvement with the fund runs deeper, as she announced in May that 100% of the profits from her 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” would be donated to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. She, along with The Weeknd, joined the fund’s advisory board last fall, ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup tournament. Shakira is also slated to perform during halftime of the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in N.Y./N.J., alongside Madonna and BTS.

In a powerful message accompanying her video, Shakira emphasized the potential for long-term setbacks in educational programs following the earthquakes, which could disrupt existing progress. She underscored her commitment to standing with the children of Venezuela to ensure that as the country rebuilds, every child maintains access to education and learning opportunities. Furthermore, she urged international leaders, including the Prime Minister of Portugal Luís Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron, to commit their support to the fund, highlighting that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has already joined the campaign. Shakira encouraged anyone who believes in a child's right to dream to join the initiative, and Venezuelan organizations working to restore educational access can apply for funding through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, whose advisory board Shakira and The Weeknd joined in October, initially set a goal to raise $100 million for education efforts worldwide. In the aftermath of the Venezuelan earthquakes, numerous other artists have also stepped forward to assist. Caracas natives Danny Ocean, Lele Pons, Lasso, and Joaquina have utilized their social media platforms to appeal for aid and share resources for victims. Metallica contributed $100,000 to relief efforts through their All Within My Hands foundation, Rush released a special-edition T-shirt to raise funds, and Bad Bunny oversaw a shipment of 42,000 pounds of essential supplies to help survivors.