The Bosnia & Herzegovina
UK Network proudly organised the first Refugee World Cup in Birmingham as part
of Refugee Week 2026, bringing together more than 300 participants and
supporters from 20 different nationalities in a celebration of diversity,
inclusion and community spirit through football.
Held at Moseley Sports Centre, the tournament welcomed teams
representing Afghanistan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hong
Kong, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, Ukraine, Yemen, the United Kingdom and an International
Team.
The event was officially opened by lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zaker
Choudry, alongside Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner for the West
Midlands. Among the distinguished guests were Councillors Rashid Mahmood and
Bushra Bi, representatives of Birmingham City Council, Solihull Metropolitan
Borough Council and local community organisations.
After a day of exciting and competitive football, Tajikistan were
crowned Refugee World Cup 2026 champions, defeating Ukraine in a hard-fought
final. Ukraine finished as runners-up, while Bosnia & Herzegovina secured
third place.
Dr Anes Cerić, CEO of Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network, said:
"Football has a unique power to bring people together. The Refugee World
Cup demonstrated the very best of Birmingham – a city where people from
different backgrounds, cultures and experiences can come together in
friendship, respect and solidarity. This event was about much more than
football; it was about belonging, hope and building stronger communities."
The Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network would like to express its
sincere gratitude to Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough
Council for their support, as well as to all volunteers, referees, participants
and supporters who helped make this landmark event a success.
The organisers hope that the Refugee World Cup will become an
annual tradition, continuing to celebrate the positive contribution that
refugees and migrant communities make to Birmingham and the wider West
Midlands.
VIDEO: https://fb.watch/HWnHAlBeIp/