The Homeless World Cup – a competition made famous by a popular film – will receive the support of world governing body FIFA when it launches in South Korea at the end of September.

Launched in 2003, the annual tournament aims to change public attitudes towards homelessness and inspire homeless players to strive for a better future.

FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF), which organizes the annual Homeless World Cup tournaments for women and men, which aim to support and inspire homeless people to change their lives.

Main photo: From left: FIFA Football Advisor Youri Djorkaeff, President and Founder of the Homeless World Cup Mel Young, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger at the signing of the agreement. Photo credit: Harold Cunningham/FIFA.

As part of the MoU, FIFA and HWCF have agreed to jointly broadcast the event on FIFA+, FIFA’s streaming platform. FIFA will also provide materials and equipment, including medals and trophies.

The next Homeless World Cup will take place from 21 to 28 September 2024 in Seoul (Republic of Korea). This will be the first time the competition will be held in Asia.

More than 500 players from 49 countries will participate in the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University.

“I am delighted that FIFA is supporting this wonderful tournament and working with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing societal perceptions and improve people’s lives.

“FIFA is delighted to be able to contribute as we share the Homeless World Cup Foundation’s view that football is a force for good. And starting with the next edition in Seoul, FIFA will help ensure that this tournament continues to have a real impact and support homeless people around the world.”

Mel Young, President of the Homeless World Cup, said: “The aim of the Homeless World Cup is to use football to end homelessness. Since the initiative was launched in 2003, 1.2 million people have benefited.”

“Sport has real power and we have proven that it can be a force for good.

“FIFA is committed to helping those in need, so a partnership between the Homeless World Cup and FIFA is only natural. In the long term, the impact will be huge.”

In addition, FIFA and the HWCF are exploring co-branding opportunities, including on the pitchside at host venues and online, including social media platforms.

The Homeless World Cup was first held in Graz, Austria in 2003 and has been held annually since then (except during the COVID-19 pandemic).

The tournament is a worthwhile goal for people seeking a better future and a powerful way to challenge people’s attitudes towards homelessness.

The 2024 finals, in which 20 teams will participate in the women’s tournament and 44 teams in the men’s tournament, was the inspiration for the film The beautiful game.

REVIEW: The Beautiful Game — a feel-good football film with a serious topic >>>>

The Homeless World Cup format includes matches with four players per team and rotating substitutions and consists of two halves of seven minutes each.

For tournament eligibility purposes, homelessness is defined in each country according to its national circumstances.

In countries without a legal definition, working definitions of local non-governmental organizations or housing researchers are used.

This story was first published on August 20, 2024.

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