Latvia crowned Unity EURO Cup 2026 Champions

Organised by UEFA and in partnership with UNHCR, the Unity EURO Cup celebrates the power of football to unite people from different backgrounds and support the social inclusion of refugees. Each team consists of seven refugee players and four players from host communities, including at least three women.

This year’s edition welcomed a record of 22 national associations teams along with a European Union team. Four new countries debuted in the cup – Austria, Czech Republic, Romania, and Switzerland. In a day filled with emotion, energy and sportsmanship, Latvia claimed the Unity EURO Cup title with a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in an exciting final, bringing to a close a tournament defined not only by goals and results, but also by the friendships, mutual respect and solidarity shared among all participants. This marked Latvia’s second title win, following their first victory in the 2024 tournament. The final was officiated by UEFA international referee Maurizio Mariani, who also took charge of the 2026 UEFA Conference League final earlier this year.

Through football, the tournament creates a safe and inclusive space for refugees and host communities to come together, build connections and strengthen a sense of belonging – both on the field and in the communities they return to.

Filippo Veglio, UEFA’s Chief of Social and Environmental Sustainability, says: “The Unity EURO Cup demonstrates the unique power of football to bring people together, break down barriers and create a sense of belonging. By bringing refugees and host communities together on the pitch, we are helping to build connections that extend far beyond the game itself. Hosting this year’s tournament at Coverciano, a landmark of Italian football, is a fitting reminder that football’s greatest impact is not only measured in results, but also in the opportunities it creates for people and communities.”

Camilla Jelbart, UNHCR’s Chief of Partnerships and Coordination, said: “Every year, the Unity EURO Cup is a powerful reminder that football can be a gamechanger for displaced people and host communities. It creates a safe space to build confidence, belonging and community, and can help create opportunities for people forced to flee.”

UEFA and UNHCR have been working together since 2021 to improve the lives of displaced people through the transformative power of football, support their rights and foster greater inclusion in the communities that generously host them. The first Unity EURO Cup was held in 2022 and demonstrated the powerful role of sports to bring people together. Each year, the tournament has continued to grow. Aligned with UNHCR’s Sport Strategy – More than a Game – the Unity EURO Cup continues to demonstrate how sport can be a powerful force for social cohesion and positive change.

Participating teams in 2026:
Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Malta, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and a team representing the European Commission.