Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
6 – 11 July 2026
Adopt an athlete and be part of the moment their training, passion, and dream come to life on the pitch during the Unified Football World Cup in Paris!
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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 6 – 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.
Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport
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.
Football as a Force for Inclusion and Sustainable Change
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.
Now Open: Media Registration for Unified Football World Cup
Media registration for the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 has officially opened.
France To Face Senegal in Opening Match of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
[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.
Men's Group A
Men's Group B
Men's Group C
Women's Group A
Women's Group B
Women's Group C
Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Draw Ceremony
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. This third edition of the Cup will bring together 24 teams, 12 men’s and 12 women’s, featuring athletes with intellectual disabilities competing alongside Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities).
Together, they’ll chase the Unified Football World Cup title and showcase the power of inclusion, teamwork, and the global Unified Sports movement.
⚽ 24 Teams
🤝 Athletes With and Without Intellectual Disabilities Competing Together
🌍 A Celebration of Unity and Sport
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. This third edition of the Cup will bring together 24 teams, 12 men’s and 12 women’s, featuring athletes with intellectual disabilities competing alongside Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities).
Together, they’ll chase the Unified Football World Cup title and showcase the power of inclusion, teamwork, and the global Unified Sports movement.
⚽ 24 Teams
🤝 Athletes With and Without Intellectual Disabilities Competing Together
🌍 A Celebration of Unity and Sport
More About this Event
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