The project started when two street paper founders wanted to find an international language to unite homeless people around the world. Held annually, the first cup was hosted in Graz, Austria in 2003. When the most recent tournament was held in Cape Town 2006 the event was watched by over 100.000 fans, uniting 48 nations and 500 homeless players.

The Homeless World Cup exists to address the one billion people around the world without a home, a basic human need. Using football as a trigger, they inspire and empower people who are homeless and excluded to change their own lives. The feeling of belonging, working in a team, regaining a health oriented attitude towards life, self esteem and experience of fun is a powerful combination that sees 77% of players go on to find a home, come off drugs and alcohol, get into education, jobs, training, and repair relationships with friends and family.

At the Homeless World Cup national teams from Argentina to Australia, South Africa to Portugal, Cameroon to Brazil, Germany to England take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever. More than an international tournament, it also inspires and supports grass roots football projects working with homeless and socially excluded people all year round.