The country's custodian of the Homeless World Cup, Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD) are mulling bringing the tournament to Zimbabwe in the near future.
Since 2006, YASD has been Zimbabwe’s official partner, sending teams to over 10 editions of the Homeless World Cup.
Zimbabwe has participated in multiple tournaments including Denmark 2007, Mexico 2018, Wales 2019 and South Korea 2024.
Through participation in the tournament YASD managed to transform the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the country through football.
The Zimbabwe Homeless World Cup movement has helped to secure jobs and opportunities for former players, some returned to school, or became coaches.
YASD has also used the tournament as a platform to advocate for inclusion in social issues including gender equality, disability as well as raise awareness about social exclusion and youth unemployment.
Hosting the Homeless World Cup would be a historic opportunity for Zimbabwe, YASD has already demonstrated its capacity to transform lives through its involvement in the tournament.
YASD coordinator Petros Chatiza believes that hosting the Homeless World Cup (HWC) in Zimbabwe will be a game-changer for the nation—not just for socially excluded young people and marginalized communities, but for the entire country’s perception of social transformation through sport.
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"People see homelessness and marginalisation as a permanent condition, but football changes that. When Zimbabwe hosts the Homeless World Cup, the world will see how sport can rebuild lives—and rebuild a nation’s image," he said.
"Beyond social change, hosting the HWC would bring over a thousand players, fans, and media visiting Zimbabwe which would be a big boost for the country’s tourism. The spotlight from such an event may increase Zimbabwe’s potential for events and partnerships.
"This is more than a football tournament—it’s a movement. If we unite as a nation, we can show the world Zimbabwe’s true potential.
"As YASD we have started engaging key stakeholders to successfully bid to host the Homeless World Cup , with support and sponsorship from the government , corporate partners and communities rallying behind the cause Zimbabwe can truly transform its marginilised communities through sport.
"Through hosting the tournament Zimbabwe can show the world that it's a nation of resilience, not just a crisis,"Chatiza added.
By using sport YASD hopes to drive real social change on issues affecting young people, not just entertainment.
The Homeless World Cup is an annual international football tournament that uses the power of sport to fight homelessness, poverty, and social exclusion.
Founded in 2003 by Mel Young, the tournament brings together teams from over 70 nations of people who have experienced homelessness, marginalisation and social exclusion, empowering them through football and fostering social reintegration.
