Team Applications Open for the Street Child World Cup 2026 in North America

The Street Child World Cup brings together teams from around the globe to advocate for the rights of children living, working, and surviving in street situations and raise awareness of the issues they face.

The upcoming tournament, set to take place in North America, will provide a platform for street-connected young people to come together, share their stories, and call for change. The event will centre around a football tournament, played in a World Cup style format ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Alongside football, participants enjoy a festival of art activities designed to promote identity, culture, and foster communication. The event will culminate in a General Assembly where teams will present their demands for change to the world; their messages will be shaped through child-friendly Congress sessions throughout the event.

Each (national) team is formed by an organisation working on the frontline to provide services and/or support to young people in street situations. SCU works with a range of organisations, including charitable, non-governmental (NGOs), community and sports, who work to support street-connected children.

Teams worldwide are encouraged to apply and be part of this transformative experience. The Street Child World Cup offers a unique opportunity for participants to represent their countries, connect with peers from around the world, and amplify their voices on a global stage.

"We are thrilled to bring the Street Child World Cup to North America in 2026," said John Wroe, CEO and Co-founder of Street Child United. "This tournament is not just about football; it's about empowering the young people we serve, giving them a platform to be heard, and championing their rights. We invite teams from across the globe, who are supporting young people living in street situations to join us in this journey of solidarity and change."

To apply, teams must meet certain eligibility criteria and demonstrate their commitment to the values of the Street Child World Cup, including teamwork, respect, and fair play. Applications are open starting May 1, 2024, and will close on July 1, 2024. Successful teams will be announced in September 2024 following a thorough selection process.

The Street Child World Cup 2026 will be the fifth edition of the Street Child World Cup following successful events in South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), Russia (2018), and Qatar (2022).

The Street Child World Cup 2026 promises to be an unforgettable event, bringing together young people, supporters, and advocates from across the globe to stand in solidarity with street-connected children everywhere so they can tell the world...I AM SOMEBODY.

Teams are advised to download the application handbook which can be accessed here before they apply here.

For more information and to apply please contact the team [email protected]