16th Homeless World Cup

Hundreds of players from around the world will head to Mexico City in what is being billed as the most spectacular event yet. Running from 13 to 18 November , it will again give people facing social marginalisation and homelessness a new perspective, while also changing people‘s perceptions of homelessness, in order to give poverty the red card.

The power of football is a wondrous thing. It is a game that is accessible to anyone, anywhere, as long as you have something to kick. And there will be plenty to kick at this year‘s 16th edition of the Homeless World Cup in Mexico City with more than 400 fast paced games played by more than 500 male and female players facing social marginalisation. It promises to be the most spectacular Homeless World Cup tournament yet, with more than 200,000 expected visitors cheering in the stands and millions more following the action online.

"I can't wait for this year's tournament", says Mel Young, co-founder and president of the Homeless World Cup Foundation. "Meeting all the players who have fought so hard to be where they are now and seeing them succeed is a very special time for me and my team. For many players, the Homeless World Cup is a milestone marking the end of a tough journey and at the same time the beginning of a life with new perspectives and possibilities."

This year, four pitches will transform the iconic Zocalo at the heart of the Mexican Capital in a world-class football extravaganza. Devoted ambassadors such as actor Colin Farrell, writer Irvine Welsh and football player Scott Brown are convinced that football actually can change people’s lives and therefore support the cause. Also, long-term partners such as UEFA and FIFPro are getting ready to participate with a FIFPro Fair Play Award as well as the UEFA Respect Day.