10 July 2026— Special Olympics Azerbaijan captured the women’s Division 3 gold medal at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026, defeating Special Olympics USA 3–2 in a hard-fought final on 10 July at Charléty Stadium.
The championship match showcased skill and determination from both teams, with Azerbaijan overcoming a resilient USA squad in a closely contested battle. Azerbaijan built its victory around a balanced attack, led by Unified Partner Aysu Asadova, who scored twice, while Unified Partner Aytaj Mirzayeva added the third goal.
Team USA refused to back down. Goals from athlete Dominique DeHerrera and athlete Alcaraz Montoya kept the team within striking distance throughout the match, setting up an exciting finish as both sides pushed for control.
Azerbaijan generated more offensive opportunities, recording 10 shots compared to five for the United States. Despite the pressure, the USA remained competitive and created several quality chances of its own, reflecting the grit that carried the team into the gold-medal match.
When the final whistle sounded, Azerbaijan celebrated a memorable 3–2 victory and the Division 3 gold medal, while the United States earned silver after an impressive tournament run. The match served as a fitting conclusion to the Division 3 competition, highlighting the skill, teamwork and sportsmanship that define the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup.
Earlier in the day, in the lead-up to the finals, Azerbaijan notched a dominant 6-0 victory over Special Olympics Cote d’Ivoire in the Division 3 semi-finals. Meanwhile, the USA cruised to a 5-0 win over Special Olympics Hong Kong to secure a spot in the finals.
In the bronze-medal match, Côte d'Ivoire secured third place with a 5–2 victory over Hong Kong. Cote d'Ivoire built an early lead behind a dominant attacking performance, with Unified partner Fatoumata Traore scoring three goals and Unified partner Marie Michelle Dje adding two more. Hong Kong responded with goals from Unified partner Bibi Leung and athlete Hoi Lam Wong. The result capped a strong tournament for both teams and showcased the competitive spirit and determination on display throughout the women’s Division 3 competition.
