Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
5 – 11 July 2026
Countdown
00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
Unified Football World Cup 2026 Announcement of Competing Teams
Announcement will be live on 19 February @ 9:30AM CET from Paris, France
In 2026, for the first time, France will host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in Paris. This, the third edition of the Cup, will take place 5 – 11 July across venues in the heart of Paris. There will be 24 teams, 12 men's and 12 women's teams, consisting of athletes with intellectual disabilities and Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities), competing for the Unified Football World Cup title.
Men's Teams
Women's Teams
2026 Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup!
We’re proud to announce that Paris, France will host the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup!
This incredible global event will unite 324 athletes, 48 coaches, 500 families, and 500 volunteers from all seven Special Olympics regions.
In partnership with the French Government, the City of Paris, the French Football Federation, and Paris FC, we’re setting the stage for an unforgettable competition where athletes will showcase their skills, teamwork, and spirit to claim the title of Unified Football World Cup Champions! ⚽🌍
This incredible global event will unite 324 athletes, 48 coaches, 500 families, and 500 volunteers from all seven Special Olympics regions.
In partnership with the French Government, the City of Paris, the French Football Federation, and Paris FC, we’re setting the stage for an unforgettable competition where athletes will showcase their skills, teamwork, and spirit to claim the title of Unified Football World Cup Champions! ⚽🌍
More About this Event
Men’s and Women’s Teams Selected to Compete in the Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
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.
24 Teams Announced to Compete in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
[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.
sportanddev: Paris to Host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 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.
Paris to Host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026
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.
Sponsors
French State
City of Paris
Greater Paris Metropolis
Ile-de-France Region
French Football Federation
Paris FC
Lions Clubs International Foundation
Premium Partner
First Official Partner
Health Official Partner
Official Partner
Official Supporter
Official Supporter
With the Involvement of
Venues
Charlety Stadium
International University City of Paris
324
Players
48
Coaches
12
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
500
Families
500
Volunteers
Unified Sports
Over a million people worldwide take part in Unified Sports, breaking down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in a fun way.
"Football is the world's most popular team sport—across the globe and in Special Olympics. Every year, over 630,000 players participate in 16,000 Special Olympics football events run in over 190 countries worldwide."
Jon-Paul St. Germain, Vice President Sport Development, Sport & Competition