The following is an excerpt from the International Sports Press Association’s (AIPS) article, “Paris to host 3rd edition of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026” covering the announcement of Paris, France as the host of the Unified Football World Cup in 2026.
“For the first time, France will host a Special Olympics International event with the 3rd edition of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup coming to Paris in 2026. The first two editions were held in the United States, Chicago 2018 and Detroit 2022.
From 5 – 11 July 2026, 24 teams (12 men’s and 12 women’s) made up of 324 players and 48 coaches will descend upon Paris to compete for the cup in front of 10,000 fans.
With the strong support of the French Public Authorities and of the French Football Community, Special Olympics France will have the unique opportunity to highlight the inclusive power of sport during a time when the whole world will be focused on football.
By far the most popular sport in the world, and Special Olympics’ most popular team sport, football is the best way to showcase athletes with and without intellectual disabilities playing together. Across all Special Olympics regions, more than 450,000 athletes compete in the sport and over 1,470 footballers and Unified partners competing in France alone.”
