September 21, (THEWILL) – The 2024 Homeless World Cup began in Seoul on Saturday, marking the first time the event has been held in Asia.
This annual football tournament, running since 2003, aims to help participants improve their lives through sport while changing public perceptions of homelessness. The competition features 52 teams from 38 countries and is taking place at Hanyang University’s main pitch.
FIFA recently partnered with the Homeless World Cup Foundation to support the event, providing medals, trophies, and broadcasting matches on its FIFA+ streaming platform.
Local organisers, including The Big Issue Korea, hope the tournament will increase awareness about housing rights in Seoul and broaden South Korean policies on homelessness. The eight-member South Korean team includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as a person with disabilities, an asylum seeker, and a teenager living in a shelter.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that football can be a positive force for change. The event is free to attend and will run until September 28.
This year’s Homeless World Cup represents a significant step in addressing homelessness issues globally, bringing together participants from around the world to compete and share their experiences on an international stage.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
