£115 gives one person access to a year-round football programme through one of our Member Countries.
Experiencing homelessness can be deeply isolating, leaving people disconnected from their communities and without the confidence or support to move forward.
Joining a football programme may seem like a small step, but for many it becomes the beginning of something much bigger: a place to belong, build relationships and rediscover a sense of purpose.
Across our global network of 75 Member Countries, grassroots organisations use football year-round to provide structure, encouragement and opportunity. Participants are valued for who they are, supported to develop new skills and empowered to shape their own futures.
The annual Homeless World Cup is a celebration of that journey. By the time players represent their countries on the global stage, they have already shown extraordinary courage, resilience and determination.
Our work also extends beyond the pitch. We connect Member Countries, share knowledge and strengthen collaboration across the network. Through our Cities Ending Homelessness Forum, we bring together city leaders, practitioners, policymakers and people with lived experience to exchange ideas and drive long-term change.
Every year, our international network supports more than 220,000 people experiencing homelessness through football. At the tournament, more than 500 players come together for eight days of competition, connection and celebration — showing the world what is possible when people are given the opportunity to thrive.
94%
of players say the Homeless World Cup positively impacted their lives
88%
of players said participation improved their mental health.
73%
say the Homeless World Cup changed their lives significantly
One of the Homeless World Cup Foundation’s core aims is to change the way homelessness is seen, understood and discussed.
We shine a light on the people, experiences and potential too often hidden behind the issue — challenging stereotypes and encouraging audiences to look beyond homelessness to the individual.
The annual Homeless World Cup is one of the most powerful ways we do this. By placing players with lived experience of homelessness at the centre of a global sporting event, the tournament gives spectators the opportunity to witness their talent, resilience and determination first-hand.
Research by La Trobe University found that attending the Homeless World Cup can significantly improve attitudes towards people experiencing homelessness. Seeing players compete, hearing their stories and sharing in their achievements can have a measurable impact on public perceptions.
Our work extends far beyond the tournament. Through the Cities Ending Homelessness Forum, we bring together mayors, policymakers, city leaders, practitioners and people with lived experience to share evidence, challenge outdated narratives and explore more effective responses to homelessness.
By connecting people with the human reality of homelessness — and bringing cities together to learn, collaborate and act — we help move the conversation beyond stigma and judgement towards empathy, understanding and lasting change.
CHanging Perceptions
75 Member Countries
giving us true global reach
71%
Of attendees felt more aware of the issues facing people who are homeless after the mexico city 2018 tournament
93%
of spectators at the mexico city 2018 homeless world cup said they would recommend going to the event
HOST City impact
Since the first Homeless World Cup in Graz, Austria, in 2003, the tournament has placed host cities at the centre of a global conversation about homelessness, social change and the power of football.
From Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro to Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Sacramento, Seoul and Oslo, each host city has welcomed players, teams and supporters from around the world while showcasing its own culture, character and commitment to positive change.
Hosting the tournament creates far more than a sporting moment. It brings communities together, challenges perceptions of homelessness, amplifies the voices of people with lived experience and gives cities a powerful platform to demonstrate leadership on one of the defining social issues of our time.
Since 2023, the tournament has also hosted our Cities Ending Homelessness Forum, bringing together mayors, policymakers, practitioners, researchers and global partners to share ideas, strengthen local action and explore long-term solutions.
The Forum began in Sacramento, developed further in Seoul and, at the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup, became our largest yet — running throughout the eight-day tournament and placing city-level collaboration at the heart of the event.
The tournament and the Forum help host cities inspire public action, strengthen partnerships and shine a global light on the conversation around ending homelessness.
18 Major cities
have hosted the Homeless World Cup
“The week long tournament in Cardiff provided an incredible platform: for the players to demonstrate their skill and passion; for the public to engage with the tournament and with the varied debate and discussion that sat alongside the football.
The Tournament generated a huge amount of positive good will in Cardiff and beyond, and the work to harness this and take it forward into a positive, lasting legacy, has already begun.”
Michael Sheen
Homeless World Cup Champion
Global Homelessness Statistics
To help our supporters better understand this global problem, we have sought to compile the latest available statistics on the challenges faced by people around the globe.
There are several ways to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation and help our global network reach more people experiencing homelessness through football.
Donate
Make a one-off or regular donation to support our year-round work, strengthen grassroots programmes and create new opportunities for people around the world.
Buy a seat in the Impact Stadium
For just £5, you can take your place in our virtual stadium and help fund football programmes that build confidence, connection and belonging.
Join the Fan Zone
Become part of the Homeless World Cup community and access exclusive stories, content, offers and opportunities while supporting our wider movement.
However you choose to get involved, your support helps more people move forward and ensures the power of football continues to reach those who need it most.
Help us end homelessness
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Donate today and help us change the lives of people experiencing homelessness - your support keeps our vital work alive across more than 70 countries and gives thousands of players the chance to rebuild confidence, community and hope.
A world without homelessness isn’t just a goal - it’s the future we are fighting for, together.
Thank you for standing with us and believing in the power of football to change lives.
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Our global Fanzone is a dedicated space where supporters can connect with the movement, follow the journey of players and support life-changing work the Homeless World Cup Foundation does around the world.
For the first time, fans can become part of the Homeless World Cup community through a simple monthly membership starting from £5.
More than just a donation, the Fanzone offers supporters:
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content
Early access to tournament news and updates
Insights from 75 Homeless World Cup Member Countries
Access to Homeless World Cup merchandise and to partner offers and experiences worldwide
A closer connection to players and their journeys throughout the year
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This is not a ticket to watch football.
It is a chance to show what football can do.
Buy your virtual seat today at the Impact Stadium and help us change 5,000 lives across the globe
Every seat purchased helps create access to football, mentoring, support and recovery pathways for people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion around the world.
A sold-out Impact Stadium could:
• Support approximately 5,000 people annually through Homeless World Cup Member Country programmes • Strengthen support across 75 Homeless World Cup Member Countries • Expand access to football, belonging and recovery pathways globally • Help thousands of people rebuild confidence, identity and opportunity through football
Since 2003, the Homeless World Cup Foundation and its Member Country partners have positively impacted more than 1.7 million lives worldwide through football, reaching more than 220,000 people annually.
The campaign has been designed as a visible global movement where supporters, players, ambassadors, partners, businesses and Member Countries all play a role in helping “fill the Impact stadium”.
