Mexico wins big at 2024 Homeless World Cup in Seoul

Even though he never came close to winning the Football World Cup Mexico once again dominated the competition at the 2024 Homeless World Cup in Seoul, South Korea, at the weekend, claiming both the women’s and men’s titles.

In the women’s final Mexico used a brilliant second half to turn a 1-1 draw into an easy 5-2 win over Romania to claim their unprecedented ninth overall title and eighth consecutive title.

In the men’s final Mexico beat England 6-5 with 30 seconds left and won its fifth championship in the general classification and its third championship in the last four tournaments.

It was founded in Scotland in 2002. Homeless World Cup It is a competition that lasts for a week every year. using football Promoting a sense of belonging among homeless people and raising awareness about homelessness.

The teams are comprised of players aged 16 and over, of any skill level, who were cut last year, although there are no strict eligibility criteria. However, players can only represent their country once.

This year’s tournament included 36 men’s teams, 16 women’s teams and over 400 players from 38 countries. It was organized for the first time under the auspices of the International Football Federation (FIFA).

Games are played on a mini field and each eight-man squad has three players and a goalkeeper on duty at any given time. Games are short (two seven-minute halves) and rotational substitutions are allowed.

The rule changes emphasize fair play and the personal development of participants rather than winning at all costs.

Mexico City hosted the tournament in 2012 And in 2018 In the Zócalo in the heart of the city. Last year’s tournament was held in Sacramento, California, following cancellations from 2020-22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament inspired the recently released British drama “The Beautiful Game” The series, in which Bill Nighy is the head coach of the England team, is available on Netflix. You can see the trailer here.

There is also a documentary narrated by actor Colin Farrell. “Kick” About the tournament in South Africa in 2006 and the South Korean film “Dream,” A 2023 comedy-drama inspired by the tournament (available with English or Spanish subtitles on Netflix).

Overall, eight days of football were played in the Korean capital. FIFA’s support included organizational support, equipment, free online games and “FIFA” branded trophies.

“We are determined to end homelessness using football and having FIFA on our side will only help us grow our reach and therefore our impact,” said Mel Young, founder and chairman of the Homeless World Cup. Korea JoongAng Daily. “We want more countries around the world to become members of the Homeless World Cup, ultimately creating a bigger network and helping more people change their lives.”

On Saturday, Mexican women players, who had won the championship match earlier in the day, ran onto the field waving Mexican flags after the men beat England in what appeared to be a penalty kicks match. In the final minute, Mexican Alan Posada Salas sent a tension-filled shot into the net that was a match for Mexico’s 7-1 group stage defeat against England.

“Winning the match was a very special feeling, but also scoring the winning goal made it even more special.” Posada said. “I want to make a special mention to everyone in Aguascalientes. My mother, father, brother and girlfriend, who are always there for me and support me. “I love them all.”

After the women’s final, Mexico captain Denis Chavarria Garrido said, “It was a very intense match. Romania played very well, but we won and now we are champions. Long live Mexico!”

Mexican teams became sponsors Street Football México AC in collaboration with Telmex Foundation.

With incoming reports Excelsior, Period And La Jornada