Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
The Homeless World Cup — Mwy na gem
Lynne Walsh previews the football tournament that is “more than a game” and speaks to the people involved, from players to founders, about forcing a change
[Paul John Roberts]

ONCE in a very blue moon, there are ideas which are either bafflingly bonkers or stunningly brilliant. The notion that the game of association football could help end global homelessness might be both.

It’s an idea which took hold in 2001 and has survived and thrived in the form of the Homeless World Cup. This year, it’s come to Cardiff and kicks off this weekend at the city’s beautiful Bute Park.

Leading the bid to bring the tournament to Wales’ capital city was a local boy, now known almost as much for his altruism but recognisable to many as Tony Blair, Kenneth Williams, Aro in the Twilight Saga and the Prince of Denmark. 

Pic: Huw Talfryn Walters
Pic: Alex Walker
Wayne Ellaway
The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Michael Carrick, September 16, 2025
Men’s football / 16 January 2026
16 January 2026
Britain’s biggest hunger strike in decades – and the media won’t touch it
Features / 4 December 2025
4 December 2025

As Palestine Action prisoners go weeks without food, alleging dangerous neglect and detention without trial, campaigners warn that a near-total media blackout is hiding a crisis that could turn fatal – and fuel a growing wave of public anger. ELIZABETH SHORT reports

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt during the Captain's Run at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, July 22, 2025
Men’s rugby union / 29 July 2025
29 July 2025

Governing body says officials acted within laws and player welfare remains top priority