The third edition of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup concluded in Paris, bringing together athletes from 23 countries for a celebration of sport, inclusion and unity. The closing ceremony highlighted the tournament's most memorable moments and announced Paraguay as the host of the 2028 edition.
A historic finale in Paris
In the men's Division 1 final, Libya scripted a landmark triumph, defeating three‑time champions Jamaica 3‑1. Midfielder Musab Hosson, who scored the decisive goal, dedicated the gold medal to every Libyan who supported the team and to those who helped him reach the pitch.
The women's Division 1 title was retained by Guatemala, who edged Costa Rica 3‑1 in a tightly contested match. Forward Daroulin Ávila, reflecting on the victory, said the team's perseverance had finally paid off after years of setbacks.
The closing ceremony was attended by French Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life Marina Ferrari, Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, and Special Olympics Global Ambassador Didier Drogba. Their presence underscored the international significance of the event.
Beyond the matches, the tournament recognized excellence in fair play, the most unified team, golden glove, golden boot and coaches' coach awards, reinforcing the competition's emphasis on teamwork and respect. The ceremony also showcased the power of Unified Sports, where players with and without intellectual disabilities compete side by side, fostering understanding across cultures from Israel to Hong Kong and from Brazil to Egypt.