Street Child United have announced that the Street Child World Cup 2026 will take place in Mexico City from the 5-15 May 2026.
The tournament, organised in partnership with Fútbol Más, will bring together 30 teams from across the world, including 17 girls’ teams, uniting street-connected young people through football, art, and advocacy. The 2026 edition will welcome eight new organisations to the girls’ tournament.
These new teams reflect the growing global reach and impact of the Street Child World Cup, which has already created lasting change through previous editions in Durban (2010), Rio de Janeiro (2014), Moscow (2018), and Doha (2022).
The Street Child World Cup (SCWC) is the flagship initiative of Street Child United (SCU), a global movement that uses sport, art, and advocacy to challenge the stigma faced by street-connected children and promote their rights. SCU organises international events ahead of major global tournaments to ensure street-connected young people are seen, heard, and protected.
“We are thrilled to bring the Street Child World Cup to Mexico City,” said John Wroe, Co-Founder and CEO of Street Child United. “Mexico’s deep-rooted love of football and strong sense of community make it the perfect host for this global celebration. With Fútbol Más as our trusted partner, we’re committed to making 2026 our most inclusive and impactful event yet.”
Fútbol Más is present in 11 states across the country, and since 2017, has positively impacted the lives of more than 40,000 children and youth. The organisation brings invaluable experience in using football as a tool for youth empowerment and social inclusion. Their partnership will ensure the tournament remains grounded in community values and focused on lasting impact.
Ignacio Gómez, Executive Director of Fútbol Más México, said: “At Fútbol Más México, we are incredibly honoured and excited to host such a meaningful event – one that amplifies the voices of children from around the world who are too often overlooked due to the vulnerable contexts in which they live. Through play and sport, which are at the very core of our mission at Fútbol Más, these children are given a powerful platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Our previous experiences with Street Child in Qatar and India were truly transformative – not only for the children who participated, but for everyone involved. They opened up new worlds and left a lasting mark. Hosting this event in Mexico fills us with deep pride, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
The Street Child World Cup 2026 will unite young people from around the world – not just to play football, but to advocate for their rights on a global stage and tell the world, ‘I am Somebody.’
