Cairo, Egypt – April 8, 2026 – In a step that reflects resilience and the importance of social inclusion, 10 street children from Egypt are set to represent the country at the Street Child World Cup 2026, which will take place in Mexico.
The Street Child World Cup, organized by Street Child United, is a unique global platform that combines sport with raising awareness of the challenges faced by street children around the world. It aims to challenge stigma and promote their rights to protection, education, and a dignified life. Beyond the matches, the tournament also includes dialogue sessions and empowerment activities that enable children to express their views and engage with decision-makers.
In this context, Aspire Community Transformation plays a pivotal role through the implementation of a long-term development program aimed at empowering these children. The organization leverages football as an effective tool to drive sustainable social impact across different beneficiary groups.
The program combines sports training with life skills development, alongside psychological support and cultural awareness, equipping participants not only for competition, but also to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Building on its strong expertise in sport for development, Aspire Community Transformation has collaborated with Street Child United and Nafas; a community-based organization that uses sport to empower youth and connect them to education, employment, and healthcare opportunities within this program.
Together, they have prepared the children through long-term development pathways spanning over 10 months, including intensive physical training and psychological support, equipping them to compete at an international level while strengthening their confidence and resilience.
Beyond their football skills, the team carries powerful stories of resilience, hope, and ambition for a better future. Their participation serves as a platform to amplify their voices and highlight every child’s right to protection, support, and equal opportunities.
This participation reflects the depth of potential and promising talent that Egypt holds across various fields individuals who demonstrate both the passion and the ability to compete at the highest international levels, and who simply need the right opportunity to prove their capabilities and achieve meaningful success.
In this context, Nanis Yousry, Director of Aspire Community Transformation, said: “We believe at Aspire Community Transformation that sport is a powerful tool for social change and a core pillar of our work across different communities, given its role in building self-confidence, fostering a sense of belonging, and opening new opportunities for the future.
We also believe that every child has the right to experience this journey, and to be given the opportunity to discover their potential and have their voice heard.
This program reflects that vision. It goes beyond preparing children for a tournament, providing support before travel, during the competition, and after their return, with the aim of empowering them, integrating them into their communities, and helping them build a better future, while maintaining a long-term commitment to their development.
Ibrahim Shash, CEO of Nafas, said: “Nafas is a social organization that has been working since 2013 to empower street-connected and at-risk children through football by identifying talent, creating safe spaces, and opening pathways to education and mental health support.
Today, as the Egyptian team heads to Mexico, this journey reflects a greater purpose—not only competing on a global stage, but ensuring that every child is seen, heard, and supported, and helping build a future where sport becomes a gateway to dignity, inclusion, and hope.”
Egypt’s participation in the 2026 edition reflects a strong commitment to empowering children and promoting their integration into society, while highlighting the role of community-driven initiatives in creating meaningful and sustainable impact.
Aspire Community Transformation and Nafas invite partners and sponsors to support Egypt’s team on this inspiring journey and contribute to making a tangible difference in the lives of these children.