France

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.

[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.

The following is an excerpt from sportanddev’s article, detailing the upcoming 2026 Unified Football World Cup in Paris and sharing the excitement from sponsors and Special Olympics leadership.

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.

[Paris, Washington DC - 4 November 2025] Special Olympics International and Special Olympics France have finalized the hosting agreement of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026.

For the first time ever, Kanopy streams Special Olympics produced short documentaries.

300 athletes, 26 teams, five countries—as inclusive rugby booms across the region, the Special Olympics France International Flag-Rugby Tournament takes Paris by storm!

Special Olympics France cross-country skier values joy, friendship and personal growth over podium finishes.

Earlier this year as France ramped up to host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Fanélie was asked to carry the Olympic Torch in the city of Lyon, France near her hometown of Saint-Chamond.

Eleven Special Olympics teams were among over 1,000 basketball players at the recent FIBA Open in Mies, the largest 3x3 basketball tournament in Switzerland, on 15 and 16 June 2024.