Connecting the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Communities Through Lay’s RePlay

Lay’s RePlay is a global initiative launched in 2021 by Lay’s, a PepsiCo brand, in partnership with UEFA Foundation and Common Goal. By transforming recycled chip packets into sustainable community pitches and supporting local programmes, the initiative has helped create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can play, learn and belong.

This FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lay’s is bringing the spirit of the tournament to communities around the world through the Lay’s RePlay World Cup Leagues.

Taking place on existing Lay’s RePlay pitches, these values-based community leagues create opportunities for young people in underserved communities to engage, connect and thrive through football. More than a competition, the leagues are designed to celebrate leadership, community participation and the positive values that football can help foster both on and off the pitch.

In the first half of 2026, the Lay’s RePlay World Cup Leagues brought together more than 1,930 participants across nine leagues in seven countries. Delivered by seven community partners — City of Santa Ana, Fútbol Más, Safe-Hub, Fundación Tiempo de Juego, Balon Mundial, CAIS and Leicester in the Community — the initiative mobilised 210 teams and generated more than 800 matches, creating opportunities for young people to connect, lead and thrive through football.

While each league is adapted to its local context, whether in format, methodology or delivery, they all follow a shared approach: youth-led, community-powered and grounded in fair play. Common branding, creative assets and shared principles help create a cohesive global identity while allowing each community to make the experience its own.

Each league begins with a community launch event where participants come together for the tournament draw, team photos and opening matches, often alongside a communal viewing experience. Over the following months, teams compete and connect through football before the leagues culminate in Finals events that bring communities together through sport, music, food and celebration.

At the heart of the programme is a commitment to recognising more than athletic performance. Throughout the leagues, participants are encouraged to demonstrate leadership, fair play and positive engagement within their communities. Those who stand out through their actions, rather than simply their results on the pitch, are recognised as Lay’s RePlay Champions.

For a select group of Champions, that recognition leads to an unforgettable opportunity.

As part of the Lay’s RePlay FIFA World Cup Experience, Champions are invited to travel to Mexico City or Los Angeles during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. There, they join fellow participants from around the world for a programme designed to celebrate the connections created through football and the positive impact they have made within their communities.

From community events on the RePlay Pitch featuring play-based activities, football tournaments and cultural exchange, to visits to iconic city landmarks, FIFA Fan Zones and FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches, the programme creates opportunities for participants from different countries to connect, learn from one another and celebrate through football.

Lay’s RePlay FIFA World Cup Experience in Mexico City

From June 16–18, the first Lay’s RePlay FIFA World Cup Experience took place in Mexico City, bringing together 30 young participants from Mexico, Colombia and South Africa. Having earned their place through their leadership, fair play and commitment to their communities, participants took part in a special event on the Lay’s RePlay Pitch led by Fútbol Más, featuring play-based activities, a football tournament and cultural exchange. The experience also included a tour of the city, visits to the FIFA Fan Zone and the opportunity to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match, creating meaningful connections and memories that will last long beyond the tournament.

The Lay’s RePlay Leagues demonstrate how the excitement of football’s biggest tournament can extend far beyond the stadiums. By investing in community spaces, recognising young leaders and creating opportunities for meaningful connection, the programme helps ensure that the FIFA World Cup leaves a lasting impact in the communities where football is already changing lives every day.