Previous Tournaments

History

The first Homeless World Cup took place in 2003 in Graz, Austria, and we’ve been changing lives ever since. Our annual tournament brings together street football programmes from around the world, each representing their respective nation with passion and pride.

The tournament is a celebration of the amazing work being done by our National Partners around the world, an aspirational goal for individuals seeking a better future, and a powerful tool for changing public perceptions.

Previous Locations

Timeline

Graz 2003

The first Homeless World Cup takes place in Graz, Austria. The tournament sees 144 players from 18 countries compete. Austria beats England 2-1 to lift the trophy.

Gothenburg 2004

The second edition of the Homeless World Cup takes place in Sweden, where Italy emerge victorious. Following the event, research is carried out that shows that more than 80% of the players have transformed their lives in a positive way.

Edinburgh 2005

Amazingly, the sun shines throughout the tournament in the Scottish capital. Italy emerge victorious for the second time in a row. Year-round activity across the globe increases and the impact of the event continues to grow.

Capetown 2006

The South African event welcomes 48 countries from around the globe. The Homeless World Cup expands its presence in Africa as several African partners take part for the first time. Desmond Tutu welcomes all the participants. The Russian team is crowned victorious.

Copenhagen 2007

Football legend Eric Cantona attends the event in Denmark and holds special coaching sessions with the players. The trophy goes to Scotland.

Melbourne 2008

Aproximatelly 50,000 spectators fill Melbourne’s Federation Square for a dramatic final between Russia and Afghanistan – Afghanistan would emerge as champions. Event surveys reveal that two thirds of spectators change their perspective on homeless people and that the event breaks down stereotypes. Melbourne also hosts the first Women’s Homeless World Cup, with Zambia taking the title.

Milan 2009

The Italian tournament sees 48 competing nations and 500 players united at the Arena Civica. Ukraine takes the glory for the men’s competition.

Rio de Janeiro 2010

Rio de Janeiro host the event in the beautiful Copacabana Beach. The home nation sees both Brazilian squads take both the men’s a women’s trophies.

Paris 2011

The event is held in the shadow of the Eiffel tower, making it truly iconic. Workshops organised by Women Win accompany the tournament, helping empower women from 16 nations. This is the first time the event is broadcast live online. The men’s competition sees Scotland take the trophy for the second time, while Kenya becomes champion in the women’s event.

Mexico 2012

A spectacular 168,000 fans turn out to watch players from 56 countries compete in the Zocalo Square in Mexico City. Chile emerges as the victor in the men’s event, while the home team takes the glory for the women’s competition.

Poznan 2013

Poland welcomes 64 nations. The opening ceremony – held in Lech Poznan welcomes more than 30,000 fans. The Homeless World Cup and Fare Network join forces to say “no to discrimination, yes to diversity.” For the second year in a row, Brazil takes the men’s competition, while Mexico emerges victorious in the women’s.

Santiago, Chile 2014

The 12th edition of the Homeless World Cup tournament takes place in Plaza de Bulnes, in Santiago. The event welcomes a spectacular 100,000 visitors. The host nation takes both the men’s and the women’s trophies.

Amsterdam 2015

The Homeless World Cup returns to Europe as the Netherlands host the 2015 tournament. The event is held at the iconic Museumplein. Both the men’s and women’s competition go to Mexico. The Mexican women’s team become the first squad to take the trophy three times.

Glasgow 2016

Scotland welcomes the Homeless World Cup for a second time in Glasgow’s iconic George Square. More than 80,000 visitors attend the event. Mexico becomes double-champions for the second year in a row. The Mexican women’s team takes the trophy for a record-fourth time.

Oslo 2017

The Norwegian capital will welcome more than 500 players in what is expected to be the biggest and most ambitious tournament yet, with an increase to the women’s competition. The Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup will run from August 29 – September 5.

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