The Spirit of Football’s The Ball made a special stop at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 during yesterday’s men’s teams match between the United Arab Emirates and China.
Having already traveled through more than 80 countries and collected over 75,000 signatures promoting fair play, respect, teamwork, inclusion, and hope, The Ball will continue its journey toward the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, and the Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027.
As part of the ceremonial kick off, Special Olympics Global Messenger Gilmour Borg, Athlete Official Hassam Zogaib, fellow match officials, and every player from both the United Arab Emirates and China teams added their signatures to The Ball, joining thousands of others around the world in celebrating football’s ability to unite people and promote inclusion.
Spirit of Football is a not–for–profit community interest company dedicated to promoting a very special ball as the “star of the beautiful game” in the run–up to each World Cup, The Ball. Since 2002, Spirit of Football has carried The Ball from London to FIFA World Cups around the world. The Ball is now travelling through communities, schools, clubs, tournaments and football-for-good projects, until reaching the FIFA World Cup.
