Northern Ireland men’s and women’s teams both finished seventh overall in their respective competitions at the Homeless World Cup 2024.
It was the highest ever placing for either team at the annual event, which this year was staged at Seoul’s Hanyang University in South Korea.
After reaching the quarter-finals in the main trophy competitions, the two Team NI squads failed to make it to the semi-finals. They then lost their next set of matches to determine overall placings, which meant they had to settle for seventh/eighth place play-offs.
In their play-off game Northern Ireland defeated Republic of Ireland 6-2 to finish in seventh place overall out of 36 teams – their best ever performance at a Homeless World Cup.
Their previous best was last year when they finished eighth out of 28 teams at the Homeless World Cup staged in Sacramento, USA.
The women’s team also made history in Seoul when defeating France 5-4 in their play-off match. Their seventh place overall – out of 16 teams – was their best overall placing to date.
It was the third time they had met the French at the tournament. In stage one of the competition they defeated France 4-3. In the second stage the teams drew 5-5, however Northern Ireland won a penalty shootout to secure an extra point.
The men’s team’s record at Homeless World Cup 2024 was: Qualifying Group C – six wins – against Austria (3-2), Denmark (3-1), Hungary (5-3), Greece (13-1), Norway (5-2), Hong Kong (10-2); one draw – v Argentina (4-4), Argentina won penalty shootout to get extra point; one defeat – against table toppers Indonesia (3-1). Finished second in Group C.
Also: quarter-finals in main trophy competition – lost 6-2 v Lithuania; overall placings semi-final – lost 7-6 to Portugal; seventh/eighth play-off – defeated ROI 6-2.
The women’s team’s record in South Korea was: Qualifying stage one – six wins – against Egypt (5-3), Republic of Ireland (2-1), Austria (6-0), France (4-3), Denmark (10-0), Norway (8-1); one defeat v Mexico (10-3); qualifying stage two – one draw – against France (5-5) but they won penalty shootout to secure an extra point; two defeats – v Kenya (6-0) and Romania (6-0).
Also: quarter-finals in main trophy competition – lost 4-2 v Poland; overall placings semi-final – lost 2-1 to India; seventh/eighth play-off – defeated France 5-4.
Mexico won the main trophies at Homeless World Cup 2024. Their men’s team defeated England in the final, while their women’s team beat Romania in the decider.
Street Soccer NI, a charity working with the homeless and disadvantaged groups across Northern Ireland, put the Northern Ireland teams together. The teams were supported this year by Simon Community NI, Choice Housing, Irish FA Foundation and others.
Justin McMinn, CEO of Street Soccer NI, said: “For sure this was one of the best Homeless World Cups we've experienced yet. Not many people in their lifetime get to travel to Korea to experience the culture and beautiful scenery.
“The weather was also incredible. It was sunny every day, which helps during a week-long tournament. On the field we achieved more than we thought possible.”
Image: Action from the Northern Ireland women’s team v Republic of Ireland women’s team game at this year’s Homeless World Cup.
