In a world where the voices of over 150m young people across the globe goes unheard, The Street Child World Cup aims to be a supportive platform. Established in 2010, The Street Child World Cup has over the years utilised the power of football to give street-connected young people a platform to speak directly to those in power and turn visibility into commitments that drive lasting change.

Using the momentum of the world’s biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, the Street Child World Cup transforms the way the world treats street-connected young people. The event serves as a vehicle for structured advocacy sessions, which are safe spaces for young people to share their experiences. The 2026 edition, which began on Wednesday 6th May, has been nothing short of electrifying with teams of street-connected young people travelling from across the world to take part, including Palestine, Germany, Kenya, Mexico Ikoots (Indigenous), and Brazil.

Hosted by Street Child United (SCU), the 2026 Street Child World Cup culminates in a North American Tour in cities including Mexico City, Seattle, Miami, Washington DC., New York, and Toronto before finishing at the UN in New York City. 

“Years of preparation and excitement have led us to this moment,” John Wroe, CEO of Street Child United said. “SCU has been supported by multiple partners, sponsors and supporters. Pulling off a global event of this size is no mean feat, but I always say that the world conspires with us, and we have been overwhelmed with support every step of the way. “My thanks go to our partners Fútbol Más, who have been instrumental in bringing the tournament to fruition, and to the British Embassy in Mexico City, whose team have been incredibly supportive throughout.

The event is set to finish on Thursday 14th May with the General Assembly, during which the participants discuss and document their demands of those in power. They then take these demands back to their home countries in order to campaign for change. Sponsors of the 2026 Street Child World Cup include the Government of Mexico – IMSS, Lenovo, and the Embassy of Canada.