THE HOMELESS WORLD CUP

The 17th World Cup takes place in Cardiff during late July and August, an annual event that brings over 50 countries and 64 teams to South Wales. Men and Mixed teams account for 48 and Women 16. All British nations are represented as well as most of the  and more distant nations including Zimbabwe, South Korea, Colombia, Pakistan and Australia. More details can be found here:
https://homelessworldcup.org/cardiff-2019-news/

Michael Sheen is the "host" and he can be found supporting the event on the BBC website.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMKmDASowYI Video by Michael.

Bute Park hosts the event which includes more than just "Street Football". Music, theatre, lectures and exhibitions, about "Homelessness" will entertain competitors and visitors from all over the world. The local university halls of residence are providing a home for the homeless!


Founded in 2001 by Mel Young and Harald Schmied the first tournament took place in Graz, Austria. It has been to Edinburgh, the HQ for the organisation, and Glasgow. To qualify as  "homeless" in this case, means participants must be 16 years old at least, earns money through being be a street paper vendor, so mot employed, could be an asylum seeker and/or be in rehab from alcohol or drug related issues.

Teams include 4 on the pitch (astro) one of which must be a goalie and 4 rolling subs. Brazil and mexico, unsurprisingly, have won the tournament 3 times each.

A docu-film was released in 2006 during the South African tournament, with Colin Farrell leading the commentary.