Three matches into the tournament, the team has already experienced the highs and lows of a Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026. But for head coach Molly Underly, her hope for Special Olympics USA is about more than results.
“Of course, winning would be incredible, and we’d love to come as close to gold as possible. But that mindset starts long before match days.”
Creating chemistry in a team is rarely simple, and doing so when your players are spread out across 7-8 states is the ultimate challenge. Special Olympics USA spent only one weekend together before competing in Paris 2026. Rather than seeing it as a compromise, Molly embraced it as an opportunity to shape the team's identity.
"I believe that if we can be connected first before we become players, then we're better on the field. Since we can’t train together every week, we've tried to build upon our relationships. We check in individually, we have group conversations and from the very beginning, I asked if they could try to be vulnerable with each other.”
“I wanted them to share who they are, how they became involved with Special Olympics and what their journey has looked like. Once players start hearing each other's stories, they realise that although everyone's experiences are different, many of the obstacles and struggles feel very familiar. That's where trust begins, and when trust is there, football becomes so much easier."
The Chance that Changed it All
Nearly two decades ago, Molly had no idea that she would be coaching the Special Olympics USA team. After moving to Colorado in 2007, she noticed a newspaper ad looking for volunteers.
"I’d loved soccer (football) because I'd been playing since I was four years old, and I was already coaching youth teams, including my own children," she says. "When I saw that ad, I thought, 'Why not?'.
“I hadn't really worked with athletes with intellectual disabilities prior to becoming a teacher, but I had taken some Special Education classes without really knowing where that might lead. Working with these athletes completely changed my perspective. It eventually inspired me to become a Special Education teacher, and it's had a huge impact on both my career and honestly, my life."
Molly has never given up on the sport she loves, playing in rec indoor and outdoor leagues from her childhood days to now.
Success Beyond the Scoreboard
International competition inevitably brings significant pressure. Molly encourages her team to remember that despite crowds and attention, football is still football.
"It’s difficult because I care so deeply about these women," she shares. "But I try to remind them that this is still just another game. Yes, it's a bigger stage, but they've played games before. They've felt nervous before.”
“Millions of people will never have this experience, so when I start to feel the pressure, I remind myself that what we're doing here is much bigger than winning football matches. Yes, we're here to compete, but we're also here to create awareness about Special Olympics and to show the leadership, courage and opportunities that exist within this movement.
The road through the group stage hasn't been linear, but Molly believes every match has helped her team grow.
“As always, we’ll continue to embrace the challenges and stay resilient in the face of setbacks, focusing instead on the things that went well, both individually and collectively.”
Before the semi-finals on Friday, Molly and her team will spend Thursday exploring some of Paris' iconic sights while taking a well-earned rest before returning to the pitch on Friday. The Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 continues with thrilling action through to the Closing Ceremony on July 11. Catch every match live on the Veo Live App.
