The Story of the Final Day

It was an early start to the final day for the boys and girls from all the teams, as everyone boarded buses from the IMSS complex in Oaxtepec, which has been our home throughout the tournament, and headed into the centre of Mexico City.

We were going to the historic Teatro Hidalgo for the General Assembly, one of the most important parts of every Street Child World Cup. While football is what first brings the teams together, the General Assembly is what gives the teams the chance to speak for themselves, to talk about the issues that affect their lives, and to say clearly what they believe needs to change.

We were honoured to be joined at the General Assembly by senior dignitaries and influential figures, including the President of Mexico, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, who gave a heartening speech about the tournament so far and the importance of resilience, of visibility, and of advocacy. To have President Sheinbaum with us, a leader of such global significance and such an inspiring figure on gender equality and social progress, was extraordinary. We were also joined by ambassadors from the UK and Canada; as well as Gabriela Cuevas, Mexico’s representative from the FIFA World Cup; Zoé Robledo, Director General of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS); and Ignacio Gómez, Head of Fútbol Más.

A platform for young people

Our young people had been preparing for this moment for several days. They had worked with team leaders and young leaders, thinking carefully about what they wanted to say, and designed unique approaches to sharing their messages. On stage, they performed scenes and skits, held up signs, gave speeches, and spoke about their own experiences and the experiences of young people in their communities.

They spoke about fighting against discrimination, abuse and neglect, and about fighting for education, gender equality and representation. Again and again, we heard the words at the heart of Street Child United: I am somebody.

Having U2 with us at the General Assembly was remarkable. I had spoken to Bono in December, when he heard that we were hosting the Street Child World Cup in Mexico, and he asked how they could best help. I asked whether there was any chance they could come to the final, and he said they would do everything they could to be there. They were people of their word, and the attention their visit has brought to the movement has been quite incredible.

Bono, The Edge and the band have made an enormous difference on the humanitarian front over many years, and their presence here meant a great deal. They chose to stand with street-connected young people, with refugees, with Palestinians, and with all those young people who need to hear that they are not alone, that they are recognised, and that they are somebody. The video message sent by footballing legend David Beckham was also a very special moment for the young people.

A number of our guests spoke to the young people with warmth and encouragement. They spoke about the importance of listening to young people who are too often ignored. It meant a great deal to have so many people there, but the most important voices in the room belonged to the young people themselves.

There were moments throughout the day when it was difficult to believe it was all happening: the General Assembly, the finals, the young people speaking so powerfully, and people of such global significance choosing to stand with them in person. It felt, at times, like a fairy tale, and I do not think I will ever get over the significance of it.

The final stage

After the General Assembly, the teams travelled to Parque Ecológico Lago de Texcoco for the final stage of the football.

Beginning slightly behind schedule, the very last matches took place under the floodlights as day turned to night, with every team that remained in the Cup and Shield competitions competing fiercely one last time in representation of their country.

In the semi-finals of the Women’s Shield, Brazil beat India and USA narrowly beat Germany on penalties to make it to the final. In the Men’s Shield, Argentina beat Chile in an all-South American semi-final, while Indonesia beat Hungary to take their place in the final.

In the semi-finals of the Women’s Cup, Kenya beat South Africa and Mexico beat Bolivia to take their places in the final. In the Men’s Cup, India beat Egypt to reach the final in hopes of defending their title, while Brazil overcame Pakistan to take the second spot.

In the Shield finals, Brazil girls overcame the USA 3-0 to win the Women’s Shield, while Indonesia drew 1-1 with Argentina before winning 3-2 on penalties to claim the Men’s Shield.

In the Cup finals, Brazil outshot the defending champions, India boys, 5-2 in an all-action final, while host nation Team Mexico Mas Sueños beat Kenya 2-0 to claim the Women’s Cup.

While the players showed tremendous determination and skill in every match, and the winner showed great pride in lifting trophies for their home countries, it was inspiring to see street-connected young people from all around the world to cheer on the friends they had made throughout the tournament.

The closing ceremony

The final stage was attended by Zoé Robledo & Ignacio Gómez, as well as Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. from U2.

Awards were given to different teams for their contribution across the week, including the teams who had received the most green cards during the tournament. The trophies were then handed out to the winning teams, who posed draped in flags, with their friends and compatriots cheering from the crowd.

The ceremony ended with an electric performance from musician Paul Russell, who gave a spirited performance of his viral hit “Lil Boo Thang”.

Paul has been wonderful throughout the tournament, spending almost a week with us, sharing his music and his time, joining sessions with the teams, taking photographs, and supporting the young people with real generosity. It was lovely to see him close the ceremony in front of a crowd that had given so much energy all week.

Thank you

At the end of a tournament like this, there are many people to thank.

Thank you to the Mexican Government, Gabriela Cuevas, Fútbol Más and the Mexican Institute of Social Security for helping to make the Street Child World Cup possible in Mexico City. Thank you to the Ambassadors, dignitaries and guests who joined us at the General Assembly and supported the young people throughout the tournament. Special thanks to President Sheinbaum, who remains an incredibly inspiring figure to myself and to everyone at Street Child United.

Thank you to our sponsors, including Bank of America, and to all our partners, whose support allowed this event to happen. Thank you to PX Sport, who helped to bring the finals to an audience of millions across the Americas. Thank you to the volunteers who gave their time with relish, and to the Team Leaders and young leaders who cared for the teams, encouraged them, listened to them, and helped them through a long and busy week.

Thank you to my Street Child United team, who have worked so hard for so long to bring this tournament together.

And most of all, thank you to the young people who came, and to those who couldn’t make it.

They travelled from across the world to be here. They played, spoke, listened, performed, made friends, represented their countries, and reminded everyone why this tournament matters. Watching them enjoy themselves, stand up for themselves, and support one another is what makes all the work worthwhile.

Thank you as well to you, reader, and to everyone who has followed the tournament from home.

The Street Child World Cup is built on a simple message, but one that I will never tire of repeating: I am somebody. You are somebody. Every young person is somebody.