Overview:
Since the first tournament in Graz in 2003, the Homeless World Cup and its partners have positively impacted the lives of 1.2m people, the power of football a springboard to a better tomorrow.
2025 Homeless World Cup:
Champions:
- Women: Uganda
- Men: Egypt
Oslo city in Norway was really good for the visiting delegation of Uganda female footballers at the 2025 Homeless World Cup.
At the championship, Uganda, represented by the gallant Youth Sport Uganda (YSU) was crowned as the new world champion, a feat that definitely called for an applause from the president of Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino.
The group was accorded a majestic welcome upon return home on Tuesday morning. From Oslo, the delegation had a stop-over at Istabul before embarking on the final flight to Entebbe International Airport where they were received by friends, family and YSU officials.
“We had a great display in Oslo” Viola Namuddu, the team captain echoed in an interview with the media moments after returning home.
“Every game was like a cup final to us. We played well and the value of teamwork paid off. I thank our coaches and management at Youth Sport Uganda for believing in us and facilitating us” Namuddu added.
Uganda overcame Mexico in the final 6-0 during a one-sided duel. Mexico was seeking an unprecedented eighth title in a row. Stella Namisango scored five times with Eva Nagayi adding the other goal as Uganda had a clean sweep in the rains.
Ugandan keeper Sharifa Kitali was on tip-top form during the game with countless saves, including a penalty during the duel also broadcast worldwide on FIFA+ and Eurovision Sport.
Head coach Shafic Nkugwa Stiga was equally elated by the achievement. Nkugwa attributed this brave performance to the good preparations “We really prepared well for this championship and we gave our best in all the matches. I am super proud of the players” Nkugwa revealed.
Youth Sport Uganda Programs manager Lorna Letasi, who also traveled to Norway as the team manager was overwhelmed by the performance from every member on the team.
She was full of praise for the sportsmanship, strong mentality and teamwork ethics exhibited. “I am very happy for the performance we showcased at the 2025 Homeless World Cup” Letasi remarked.
“It was a brave show of teamwork, commitment and determination to succeed against all the odds at play including the tough rainy conditions” she added.
Uganda became the third winner for the first time since Chile won on home turf in 2014 and the first African winner since Kenya in 2011.
Egypt won the men version, the first time that two African countries smiled to the podium as winners. For the men, Egypt overcame Portugal in the final 3-2. Captain Mostafa “Sheka” Ismael notched a brace and Taher Ayman Abdelaal scored the other
Miguel Ângelo Pinto Pereira got a brace for Portugal.
By and large, 500 players came together in the Norwegian capital over the last week in a carnival of football that’s about much more than a game.
Since the first tournament in Graz in 2003, the Homeless World Cup and its partners have positively impacted the lives of 1.2m people, the power of football a springboard to a better tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in the women’s event, first time entrants Tanzania beat Austria 5-4 to collect the City of Oslo Cup.
The men’s equivalent was won by Costa Rica following a 3-2 win over Brazil.
The women’s Salvation Army Cup saw Sweden beat Vietnam 1-0, Northern Ireland raising the men’s Salvation Army Cup following a 6-5 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, the keeper in green saving a late penalty to clinch the win; Argentina beat Austria 4-3 to win the Gatefotball Cup and Sweden beat Czech Republic 4-3 in the Othilie Tonning Cup.
The 2026 edition will be hosted by Mexico.
Other awards:
- Hary Milas Spirt of the Game: Spain
- Best New Women’s Team: Uganda
- Fair–play award: Uganda
- Best Women’s Goalkeeper: Dulce Estela Moreno Flores (Mexico)
- Best Men’s Goalkeeper: Mohamed Hussein Badawy (Egypt)
- Best Women’s Coaching Team: Romania
- Best Men’s Coaching Team: Austria
- Best Women’s Player: Lavin Achola (Kenya)
- Best Men’s Player: Risgunansah (Indonesia)
- Richard Ishmael Fair Play Team: Vietnam
