Football

Joel fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and found refuge in Uganda. As a young person with an intellectual disability, he faced isolation and exclusion—until he discovered Special Olympics Unified Sports.Read the full story

Special Olympics International was honored to join the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. to host Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport, bringing together ambassadors, government leaders, diplomatic representatives, and Special Olympics Athlete Leaders.

On World Football Day, Special Olympics is celebrating the power of football to do more than just score goals; it breaks down barriers, builds communities, and unites athletes as they work together to achieve a shared goal.

Annual Europe Eurasia initiative returns for its 26th edition, strengthening collaboration through football and expanding inclusion across communities

Shane Yan Wen Yu has learned that football is more than just a game, it’s a source of identity, purpose, and growth.

Special Olympics European Football Week 2026 is finally here! In its 26th edition, #EFW celebrates the power of partnerships and how open collaboration with our partners helps us expand and improve our football offer throughout Europe and Eurasia. This year, over 300 events are to take place in 40 countries across our region: celebrate #EFW2026 with us!

Media registration for the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 has officially opened.

Take a look back at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Draw Ceremony hosted by the French Football Federation as we officially kick off the journey to Paris 2026. For the first time ever, France will host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, taking place 6 – 11 July 2026 across iconic venues in the heart of Paris.

[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.

On 19 February, Special Olympics, Special Olympics France, and the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 Local Organizing Committee welcomed over 200 guests and partners to the historic Paris City Hall to announce the 24 teams selected to compete in the Cup.