From July 5th to 11th, 2026, the world gathered in Paris, France, for the 3rd Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, the very first edition of this global tournament to be held on European soil. Bringing together 24 international delegations across four iconic Parisian venues, the event showcased the transformative power of Unified Sports®, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities train, play, and compete side-by-side as teammates.
Representing our country on the world stage, Team Canada’s Women’s Unified Football Team, comprising 11 extraordinary Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from across Ontario, stepped into the spotlight. Facing record-breaking heat waves with temperatures hovering near 40°C, jet lag, and formidable global competition, our Canadian squad embodied resilience, joy, and unwavering sportsmanship from the opening parade to the final whistle.
Leaving It All on the Pitch: Tournament Results
The tournament kicked off with a vibrant Opening Ceremony at Stade Charléty, where athletes exchanged Canadian pins with competitors from around the globe, forging instant friendships across cultural and language barriers. Supported by visiting families, local Parisian school groups, and enthusiastic fans, Team Canada poured their hearts onto the pitch.
Game 1 (July 7): Canada 3 – 1 Hong Kong (Charléty Stadium)
Game 2 (July 8): Slovakia 6 – 0 Canada (PUC Stadium)
Game 3 (July 8): Egypt 0 – 0 Canada (Dalmasso Stadium)
Game 4 (July 10): Egypt 3 – 0 Canada (Dalmasso Stadium)
Game 5 (July 11): France 6 – 0 Canada (PUC Stadium)
Bringing Home the Ultimate Honor: The Fair Play Team Award
While Team Canada proudly earned 4th place in Division 2, their greatest triumph was recognized at the Closing Ceremonies.
Amidst a standing ovation from international delegations, volunteers, and fans, Canada was awarded the prestigious Fair Play Team Award, the only women's team in the entire tournament to receive this honor. Presented to the squad that best demonstrates exemplary sportsmanship, respect for officials and opponents, adherence to Unified rules, and relentless team integrity, this award stands as a testament to the true heart of Canadian sport.
Voices From the Pitch: Stories from Paris
What does it truly feel like to lead your country into a global tournament, dance down the Seine River, and win a world-class award for character? Hear directly from two key members of Team Canada’s leadership who lived every unforgettable moment.
“Less than 0.02% of Canadian soccer players will ever have the opportunity to represent their country internationally. From navigating 40°C heat waves without air conditioning to standing on stage receiving a global standing ovation for sportsmanship, coaching these women was the proudest moment of my career. When we play Unified, everyone wins.” – Amanda Morra (Coach)
Read Coach Amanda’s Full Story
“From pre-game dance parties in the locker room to late-night interview vlogs aboard a Seine River cruise ship with athletes from all over the world, Paris gave us memories that transcend sport. We proved that teamwork, friendship, and respect have no barriers.” – Lydia Kirupa (Unified Partner)
Read Lydia’s Full Story
SO Canada Spotlight: Leadership in Action with Co-Captains Sam & Randyll
For the second time in tournament history, the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup featured Unified Co-Captains, pairing one Special Olympics athlete with one Unified partner to demonstrate inclusive leadership on and off the pitch.
Representing Special Olympics Canada as Co-Captains were Samantha (Sam) Hollingsworth (Special Olympics Athlete) and Randyll Strongman (Unified Partner).
Our team strives on the field because we are so close off the field. – Randyll Strongman, Unified Co-Captain
Selected by a team vote prior to departure, Sam and Randyll led warm-ups, organized pre-game team check-ins, designed icebreakers, and spearheaded the team's famous pre-match dance parties to shake off pre-game jitters.
Both co-captains proudly wore the UN Football for the Goals armbands, highlighting Special Olympics' commitment to Sustainable Development Goals such as good health, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. Sam’s deep empathy and lived experience combined seamlessly with Randyll’s motivational energy, creating an inclusive culture where every player felt a deep sense of belonging.
Read the Full Feature Story on SO Canada's Co-Captains
Thank You to Our Champions & Supporters!
This life-changing journey would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our coaches, staffs, as well as the families, volunteers, and donors who believed in this team.
Your support empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities to showcase their gifts on the world stage, break down barriers, and champion social inclusion across Canada and beyond.
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SOO is grateful to all the donors who supported our team. We also want to provide special recognition to the financial support received from the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities fund at Durham Community Foundation, as well as Toyota – Global Special Olympics Unified Sports® Partner.