Abu Dhabi, UAE – July 13, 2026: Team UAE secured an impressive fourth-place finish at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026, held in the French capital from July 6 to 12. Competing in Group B alongside Brazil, Ecuador and Senegal, the team delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament, with athletes and Unified partners demonstrating exceptional teamwork, determination and skill. Their performance reflects the continued growth of Unified football in the UAE and the country’s ongoing commitment to empowering People of Determination through sport.
H.E. Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the French Republic, said: “We are proud to see the Special Olympics UAE National Team represent our nation in Paris, at the first French edition of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup. Their participation reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to inclusion and empowerment through sport. As they compete on the international stage, our athletes and unified partners carry with them the values of determination, unity and ambition that define the UAE.”
Throughout the tournament, Team UAE showcased strong technical ability, resilience and remarkable team spirit against some of the world’s leading Unified football teams. The team’s fourth-place finish in Group B, led by Brazil and followed by Ecuador and Senegal, stands as a testament to the progress of Unified football in the UAE and the athletes’ commitment to excellence.
H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “We are immensely proud of the exceptional performances delivered by our athletes and Unified partners throughout the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026. This achievement marks another important milestone in the journey of People of Determination and reflects the unwavering support of our wise leadership, which continues to place their empowerment among the nation’s highest priorities. Securing fourth place is a testament to the team’s dedicated preparation, relentless hard work and commitment.”
Team UAE’s participation embodied the mission of Special Olympics by advancing Unified sports and empowering athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities to compete alongside Unified partners in an inclusive sporting environment that promotes teamwork, equality and mutual respect.
Al Hashemi added: “We congratulate our athletes, Unified partners, coaches, technical and administrative teams, as well as our partners and supporters, on this remarkable achievement. We remain committed to further developing our Unified football programs and expanding opportunities for our athletes to continue their journey of excellence and achieve even greater success.”
Beyond the competition, the tournament provided Team UAE with valuable international experience, allowing athletes and Unified partners to compete against diverse playing styles while further strengthening their technical development and readiness for future competitions.
This achievement is the result of a strong network of strategic partnerships that has helped advance Unified Sports and strengthen the development of Unified football in the UAE. Al Wahda Sports and Cultural Club played a key role in supporting the formation of the Unified football team by bringing together players from the club’s youth teams and Special Olympics athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, creating a leading model of inclusion through sport and embodying the values of teamwork both on and off the field.
Abu Dhabi University also contributed to raising awareness of the importance of Unified Sports by hosting training sessions and program activities, helping foster a stronger culture of inclusion across the community. Meanwhile, the UAE Football Association continued its support for Special Olympics football programs as a key partner in their development, backing initiatives that empower People of Determination and strengthen their presence across the sporting landscape.
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About Special Olympics UAE
Special Olympics UAE was re-established in 2017 as an independent public benefit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sport, following directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serves as Honorary President of Special Olympics UAE.
Special Olympics UAE works to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sport while creating opportunities for leadership, personal development and meaningful participation in society.
The organization delivers a range of community-based programs that support athletes, families and young people, while promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive.
Special Olympics UAE received official recognition from Special Olympics International in December 2017.
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