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For the first time ever, three countries are jointly organizing the 2026 World Cup. The United States, Mexico and Canada will host this major tournament, which is expected to generate $14 billion in revenue and become the most lucrative sporting event ever held.
Money, money, and more money! Millions and millions more. Business and more business. Amid all the media hype, you suddenly discover the true meaning of the beautiful game in a remote village on the Gulf of Guinea. Primitive, joyful, omnipresent and boisterous. Supportive, inclusive, festive and racially diverse. It is pure happiness that makes no distinction between ethnicity, social class, motor skills, intellectual ability or family background.
Here, any excuse is good enough to start a game. Anywhere and at any time. It is a true social act that affirms belonging to a group, tribe, or nation. Flags, T-shirts, crutches, balls, wheelchairs… always football, in this beautiful and perfect, our other World Cup.
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Football is not a privilege, it´s a right. According to the Convention on the Rights-of-the-Child, it is a universal language for millions of people around the world regardless of their nationality, language or religion.
In Togo there´s a center for children with disabilities that provides specialized attention to improve their quality life. In this forgotten part of Africa, disabled children have high risk of abuse and neglect. People believe that disabilities are due to a divine punishment. These minors (known as “snakes” as they lie on the ground) are considered «demons» and are drowned into the river in rituals «for the serpent to leave».
Meanwhile, for these children at Don Orione Center everything it’s all about football that brings peace for their souls and freedom for their minds… Shouting happily, playing free… It´s more than a game. Lovely compromise of hope and new home. A great journey of time and memory through their new life, where they all dream of becoming the new Messi in search of their next goal…
