The fifth Street Child World Cup took place in Texcoco, Mexico, from May 6 to May 11, 2026, with 28 teams from more than 20 countries competing over six days [1, 2]. Brazil’s boys team clinched the Cup final, defeating India, while Mexico’s girls team won their final against Kenya on home soil [1, 2].
In addition to the Cup trophies, Indonesia’s boys and Brazil’s girls secured victory in the Shield divisions of the tournament [1, 2]. The finals featured notable participation from Irish rock band U2. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. flipped the coin before the boys' Shield final, and Bono, The Edge, and Adam Clayton watched from the sidelines [1, 2].
Street Child United CEO and co-founder John Wroe described the event as a global platform to amplify the voices of street-connected young people. He said the Cup highlights youth demands on identity, education access, protection from violence, and gender equality [1, 2].
Brazil boys captain Joao JV reflected on the victory as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" after two years of team training. He thanked God and shared the pride of representing Brazil internationally [2]. India girls captain Pavithra Vellaiyangiri said she enjoyed the chance to socialize with peers from other countries and appreciated the event’s light show [2].
The tournament concluded with a festival-style celebration, featuring a performance by American rapper and singer Paul Russell as players marked the event’s end [1, 2].
The Street Child World Cup is held biennially, and after this fifth edition, planning will begin for the next tournament, expected to gather street-connected youth from around the world again.