Organised by UEFA in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the tournament took place on 15 October at Coverciano, the Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) national technical centre near Florence.

With four more teams participating than in 2025, the event highlighted the growing importance of football as a platform for social inclusion, bringing refugees and members of their host communities together through sport.

Creating opportunities through participation

The mixed-gender, seven-a-side competition featured squads comprising seven refugee players and four players from host communities, including at least three women.

The tournament provided opportunities for participants to build relationships, develop confidence and experience the benefits of belonging to a team.

Filippo Veglio, UEFA’s Chief of Social and Environmental Sustainability, emphasised the importance of these connections:

“The Unity EURO Cup demonstrates the unique power of football to bring people together, break down barriers and create a sense of belonging.”

He added:

“By bringing refugees and host communities together on the pitch, we are helping to build connections that extend far beyond the game itself.”

Latvia emerged as tournament champions following a 2–1 victory over the Republic of Ireland, with UEFA international referee Maurizio Mariani officiating the final.

Football as a platform for social inclusion

The Unity EURO Cup forms part of UEFA’s Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, which seeks to strengthen inclusion and provide opportunities for refugees, asylum-seekers and displaced people.

Camilla Jelbart, UNHCR’s Chief of Partnerships and Coordination, highlighted the wider benefits:

“Every year, the Unity Euro Cup is a powerful reminder that football can be a gamechanger for displaced people and host communities.”

She explained that football creates opportunities to build confidence, strengthen communities and develop meaningful connections beyond the pitch.

For FIGC, hosting the competition at Coverciano reinforced the relationship between football’s heritage and its wider social responsibilities.

Giovanni Malagò, FIGC Commissioner, described the tournament as:

“An exceptional opportunity of acceptance and integration while sharing the values of sport.”

He also highlighted its alignment with the federation’s Social and Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

Turning participation into lasting impact

The Unity EURO Cup demonstrates how partnerships between sports governing bodies, international organisations and national associations can translate sustainability commitments into practical activities.

Within the Global Sustainable Sport framework, the initiative connects several of the Seven Sustainable Pillars of Sport, particularly Partnerships, Participation and People.

UEFA is currently ranked in the Global Top 5 of the GSS SPI Index with a B rating, reflecting its broader sustainability activities and publicly available evidence.

However, the longer-term measure of success extends beyond participation numbers or tournament results. Understanding whether these experiences lead to sustained engagement, stronger community relationships and greater opportunities for refugees will be essential.

The Unity EURO Cup provides a compelling example of sport’s ability to bring people together. Its greatest potential lies in ensuring that the connections created on the pitch continue to deliver meaningful social impact long after the final whistle.