The 20th edition of the Homeless World Cup kicked off on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Rådhusplassen, the historic City Hall Square in Oslo, Norway. Kenya, a former champion and perennial contender in the women’s tournament, is among the 23 women’s teams battling for global recognition and a shot at silverware.
The tournament, which runs until August 30, brings together 500 players from 48 nations, making it one of the most socially significant football gatherings in the world.
The tournament offers an opportunity to compete on the pitch and also to showcase resilience, offer hope to marginalized communities, and remind the world of their proud history in the competition.
Kenya has been drawn into Group C of the women’s category, where they face a tough but balanced lineup of opponents. The group includes Mexico, Northern Ireland, Sweden, Greece, and Zimbabwe.
According to the official rankings, Kenya is seeded eighth in the world, coming into the tournament behind powerhouses such as Mexico, Romania, India, and Egypt.
At the 2024 edition in Seoul, South Korea, Kenya finished fifth overall, narrowly missing out on a semifinal slot but proving they belong among the elite.
Kenya’s campaign began with a clash against Sweden on August 23.Kenya will rotate through group fixtures against Northern Ireland, Mexico, Greece, and Zimbabwe.
Each match offers valuable points toward progression, with the top teams advancing into the knockout rounds. The format guarantees that no team leaves early, with multiple tiers ensuring every nation plays until the final day.
Kenya’s 2025 team is bolstered by fresh talent, with three standout players from Kayole Starlets. Lavyne Achola in midfield, Rose Mumbua on defense and Mercy Mung’uro is a versatile option.Coach Mary Adhiambo believes this year’s squad has the right mix of experience and hunger:
The players’ participation is also a reward for dedication at grassroots level, showing how local clubs can be pathways to international stages.
The matches are free to watch at Rådhusplassen.Also all matches are streamed live on YouTube or FIFA’s free streaming service, FIFA+.
Kenya is no stranger to success at the Homeless World Cup. The women’s team memorably lifted the trophy in 2011, becoming the first African nation to claim the title.
In more recent tournaments, Kenya has consistently placed in the top 10. The 2024 edition in Seoul was a reminder of their potential, as they swept past Switzerland and Sweden before narrowly exiting in the quarterfinals.
The build-up to Oslo also saw Kenya host the Africa Women’s Cup, a regional version of the Homeless World Cup. Although Uganda edged them out in the final, Kenya finished third, gaining valuable match practice against continental rivals.
The Homeless World Cup is a platform for social change. Players represent their countries but also carry stories of overcoming homelessness, poverty, and marginalization.