The Story of Day 1

The Opening Ceremony 

As we all started to gather in the main square, the teams broke out into pockets of Brazilian capoeira, drum-accompanied chants for Egypt and Palestine, and countless songs for all the countries.

They may not all speak the same language, but through smiles, mime, dance and song, they showed they are united in changing the way the world sees and treats street-connected young people. 

Lerato and Andie, key members of our Street Child United team, managed to regain some control of the crowd before our brilliant Young Leaders, Leslie and Yoseline, took to the stage and led the crowd in a Mexican wave, followed by chants of “Viva México”. The excitement was palpable.  

It was then my turn to take to the stage. With the help of Team Leaders to translate, I reiterated to the young people that this event is built on a simple belief: that every child should have a future. A future free from fear. Free from neglect. Free from abuse.  

All 20 countries represented at this World Cup were given a shout out and cheered by the crowd, before Young Leader Aya, from Palestine, volunteer Saskia, and Team Leader Haj, from Pakistan, led everyone in the Street Child pledge for the next eight days. 

Rodrigo from Fútbol Más then led us through a round of icebreakers, which inevitably broke down into singing and dancing at every possible opportunity.  

For me, and for the whole SCU team, there was a real feeling of relief and gratitude that things are finally underway. But that feeling is also tempered by the knowledge that some teams are still missing.  

Two of our teams are still facing challenges getting here. One player from India was unable to travel because they could not find her mother on the street in time to sort her passport. This heartbreaking story really underlines exactly why this week matters. 

The overwhelming feeling so far is one of unity and grace. It’s hard to imagine the difficult pasts many of these children have had when you see them dancing, singing and laughing together. But that is the whole point of this week. To give them the platform, the dignity and the joy they have always deserved. 

The Team Draw builds excitement for the games 

If this morning’s Opening Ceremony was a chance for the teams to meet and celebrate each other, the first half of the Draw was an opportunity for the players, volunteers and SCU team to thank the sponsors and partners who have made this event possible. 

To the Government and people of Mexico, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing the spirit of your country with us. Because of you, we already feel at home here. We feel welcome, and we feel like we belong – viva México! 

To our partner organisation, Fútbol Más, thank you for all your support in organising this event. You share our vision for a brighter future for street-connected young people everywhere and, without you, this World Cup would not have been possible. 

Once the formal speeches wrapped up, we were treated to a brilliant celebration of Mexican culture. Mariachi dancers performed three songs, filling the evening with music, colour and dance, before we were given our very own Lucha Libre show, much to the joy and cheers of young people rooting for the players.  

 After a group photo of all 30 teams, an incredible firework display lit up the sky. Then it was time to settle down for the official Team Draw. 

Expertly hosted by Felo from Fútbol Más and our volunteer Ella, the teams found out who they would be playing first, with cheers breaking out around the main square as each fixture was revealed. There are some exciting fixtures in the offing, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say that we can’t wait for the games to start. 

And with that, the Street Child World Cup has well and truly begun.