China

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.

In this series, meet the athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and officials whose journeys to Paris are filled with determination, friendship, and inclusion.

[Paris, France – 16 April 2026] The road to the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 took a major step forward as the official tournament Draw Ceremony was held at the headquarters of the French Football Federation in Paris on 16 April.

There are 50,739 Athlete Leaders worldwide, with 34.6% more men serving in these roles than women. The Women Play, Women Lead initiative is working to address this issue.

[Paris, France - 19 February 2026] On 19 February, more than 200 Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities), and media convened at the City Hall in Paris, France for a landmark moment: the official unveiling of the 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams selected to compete in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026.

Families—parents, caregivers, siblings, and other supporters—play a major role in the Special Olympics movement.

Families—parents, caregivers, siblings, and other supporters—play a major role in the Special Olympics movement.