Melbourne 2008
The Tournament
Melbourne’s Federation Square was host to the 2008 Homeless World Cup, which saw thousands of spectators watch the incredible final between Russia and Afghanistan.
This year also saw the hosting of the first ever Women’s Homeless World Cup, where Zambia took the title.
The Final Standings
A unique feature of the Homeless World Cup tournament is that regardless of ability, all teams compete for the same number of days. The competition breaks into a number of different trophies. Because of these levels of competitions, the games are exciting and meaningful even on the final day of the tournament. On the last day, each team earns their final position – and those standings then influence the rankings that will seed next year’s tournament.
There are a total of seven trophies: six for the men’s competition and one for the women’s. The Homeless World Cup and Women’s Homeless World Cup trophies are the top prizes.
WOMEN’S HOMELESS WORLD CUP
Melbourne 2008 saw the hosting of the first Women’s Homeless World Cup. In an all-African final, Zambia defeated Liberia to be crowned the first ever Women’s Homeless World Cup Champions.
| 1 | Zambia |
| 2 | Liberia |
| 3 | Cameroon |
| 4 | Colombia |
| 5 | Kyrgyz Republic |
| 6 | Paraguay |
| 7 | Uganda |
| 8 | Australia |
MEN’S HOMELESS WORLD CUP
The Homeless World Cup is the top prize in the men’s competition. The iconic trophy travels the world with each winner and is then brought to the next host city before the competition begins. 2008’S champions are Afghanistan, who were undefeated throughout the tournament, and beat Russia in an incredibly emotional final to lift the trophy.
| 1 | Afghanistan |
| 2 | Russia |
| 3 | Ghana |
| 4 | Scotland |
| 5 | Kenya |
| 6 | England |
| 7 | Brazil |
| 8 | Ukraine |
DIGNITARY CUP (LEVEL 2)
The second tier of the competition saw Ireland take the Men’s Plate, after beating a strong Nigeria side in the final.
| 1 | Ireland |
| 2 | Nigeria |
| 3 | Portugal |
| 4 | Germany |
| 5 | Poland |
| 6 | Italy |
| 7 | Austria |
| 8 | Norway |
CITY CUP (LEVEL 3)
The third tier trophy in the men’s competition went to Zimbabwe, who beat France in the final.
| 1 | Zimbabwe |
| 2 | France |
| 3 | Lithuania |
| 4 | Netherlands |
| 5 | South Africa |
| 6 | Australia |
| 7 | Hungary |
| 8 | Hong Kong |
HOST CUP (LEVEL 4)
The Host Cup of 2008 was won by Mexico.
| 1 | Mexico |
| 2 | Romania |
| 3 | Ethiopia |
| 4 | Argentina |
| 5 | USA |
| 6 | Greece |
| 7 | Timor Leste |
| 8 | Finland |
COMMUNITY CUP (LEVEL 5)
The fifth tier trophy went to Rwanda, who beat Chile for the victory in only their second time at the tournament.
| 1 | Rwanda |
| 2 | Chile |
| 3 | Czech Republic |
| 4 | Sierra Leone |
| 5 | Philippines |
| 6 | Namibia |
| 7 | India |
| 8 | New Zealand |
INSP NETWORKING TROPHY (LEVEL 6)
The sixth tier competition, the International Network of Street Papers Trophy, was won by Malawi.
| 1 | Malawi |
| 2 | Canada |
| 3 | Cambodia |
| 4 | Sweden |
| 5 | Belgium |
