Nigeria is set to participate in the 2024 Homeless World Cup, an annual street soccer event aimed at tackling homelessness and social exclusion through the power of football. This year’s tournament will be held from September 21 to September 28 in Seoul, South Korea, featuring 60 teams from 49 countries, including 40 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams.
Team Nigeria has a notable history in the tournament, having first appeared in 2006 and achieving significant milestones such as reaching the semi-finals in 2009 and winning the UEFA Fair Play Trophy.
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The Nigerian team continues to be a key participant, demonstrating the positive impact of football in addressing social issues.
South Korea’s capital, Seoul, will host the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University from September 21st to 28th.
This tournament will feature 56 teams from 42 countries, bringing together 450 players who have experienced homelessness.
These athletes will represent their nations on the global stage, competing for the title of Homeless World Cup Champions.
This marks the first time the Homeless World Cup will be held in Asia. Alongside the event, the official rankings have been announced, with Mexico’s Men’s and Women’s teams ranked #1.
All matches will be streamed live on FIFA+, thanks to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in August between FIFA and the Homeless World Cup Foundation.
FIFA has also provided materials and equipment, including medals, kits, footballs, and trophies for the tournament.
Entry to the event is free, and attendees will also have access to the Seoul Vegan Festival during the opening weekend and the Finals Day on September 28th.
Additionally, the Cities Ending Homelessness conference will be held at the University on September 25th, aiming to bring together policymakers, social innovators, those with lived experience, and academics to discuss strategies for ending homelessness.
The tournament follows the release of Netflix’s “The Beautiful Game,” which highlighted the Homeless World Cup and its global impact.
Mel Young, President and Co-Founder of the Homeless World Cup, expressed excitement about the event, emphasizing the transformative power of football in changing lives and the foundation’s commitment to ending homelessness.
Young remarked, “Since 2003, we have proved that the power of football can change lives, and through our annual tournament and our partnerships across the world, we are committed to tackling and ending homelessness.
Everyone at the Homeless World Cup Foundation, the Seoul 2024 Local Organising Committee, our Member Countries, and our loyal supporters across the world are now eagerly counting down the days until the start of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.
56 teams and 450 players will come together at Hanyang University to celebrate the positive change football has made in their lives, but to also play some wonderful and competitive football, creating lifelong memories and friendships along the way.
We can’t wait for the tournament to start!”
The partnership between the Homeless World Cup Foundation and FIFA has brought increased visibility and support to the event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of using football as a force for good, aligning with the foundation’s mission to improve lives and challenge social perceptions.
Nigeria’s participation in the Homeless World Cup is a testament to the nation’s commitment to using sports as a vehicle for social change.
The team’s journey from its first appearance to becoming a notable contender in the tournament reflects the positive impact of football in addressing social issues and providing opportunities for those who have experienced homelessness.
