Historias del campo de juego

Coach Molly Underly and Special Olympics USA battled Special Olympics Namibia to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, adding another chapter to a tournament that has already included a 2-1 win over Azerbaijan and a 6-0 loss to Guatemala.

Team Senegal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Jamaica in their second Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 match after opening the tournament with a 6-0 victory over hosts France. Ousmane Bakhayokho and his teammates impressed in their opening match with slick passing and will return to the pitch ready for the next challenge.

For Special Olympics Costa Rica Head Coach Mariana Molina, every training session, every match, and every opportunity is about so much more than the final score.

7 July Update

The energy. The passion. The unforgettable moments. The Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup continues to showcase the power of inclusion, bringing athletes of all abilities together to compete, break down barriers, and make history on the global stage. Relive the excitement, celebrate every goal, and experience the moments that unite us all.

Team Guatemala kicked off Day 2 of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 with a dominant 6–0 win over Team USA. Footballer Daroulin Ávila and her teammates were hungry for a victory—leaving no doubt on the pitch.

6 July 2026 - The first goal of the Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 tournament was scored by Ousmane Bakhayokho, an athlete from Special Olympics Senegal in the opening match against France. Senegal clearly kept control of the game with 14 shots on goal compared to France’s four and 20 total attempts compared to four. However, the French side did complete more passes and fouled less. Ultimately Senegal won the first match of the tournament 6-0.

6 July 2026 - Inclusion shined brighter tonight in the City of Light as the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 officially marked the start of the tournament.

More than 3,000 athletes, 75,000 fans and 10,000 volunteers. One shared belief: sport can open doors, build confidence, and bring people together. At the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, that belief came to life—uniting athletes, coaches, volunteers, and fans in a powerful celebration of inclusion and community.

The footballs are packed. The boots are laced. From training grounds across the world, 324 footballers from 23 nations will gather at the Charléty Stadium in the ‘City of Light’ between 6-11 July to compete for the coveted title.