The world of inclusion on the pitch!

The Genuine Cup Houston 2025 got off to a great start! The tournament, which ends this Friday, August 1, at Rice University in Houston, United States, brings together 38 teams from some of the world's biggest clubs – including the Benfica Foundation – and has been marked by fair play, a spirit of inclusion, and diversity.

On the first day of competition, July 29, all athletes visited Space Center Houston and watched a live baseball game! It was a unique and enriching experience for all participants.

After two days of competition filled with soccer, friendship and unforgettable moments prevailed for the approximately 1,000 players with intellectual disabilities, who came from 23 countries and 4 continents.

The opening matches have already demonstrated the competitive spirit and fair play that characterizes the competition, where passion for football has gone hand in hand with inclusion and diversity.

In the first phase, the teams were divided into two large groups. 1) Chevron Philips Chemical Group: AJAX, AS Roma, Atlanta United FC, Boca Juniors, Club América, Club Brugge, Corinthians Soccer Academy, FC Seoul, Football Futures Foundation, Fundació Barça, Hungary National Team, Inter Miami, Manchester United Foundation, Newcastle United Foundation, Rangers FC, Racing Club, Sporting CP, Tigres UANL, Valencia CF, and Werder Bremen; 2) Vinson & Elkins Group: Athletic Club Fundazioa, Bayer Leverkusen, Club Peñarol, Club Querétaro, CDSM Guatemala, Croatia National Team, Faddim Argentine Federation, FBK Kaunas, Benfica Foundation, Inter Milan, City in the Community, Mexico National Team, Nàstic de Tarragona, No Barriers, Paris Saint-Germain, Puerto Rico National Team, United Genuine, and Yokohama F. Marinos.

The Benfica Foundation is represented by a delegation of 11 athletes, three coaches, a project coordinator, a doctor, and a communications officer, all united to carry the Club's name and spirit of inclusion beyond borders

From the very first games, it was clear that everyone wanted to go far in the tournament, but above all, with every goal and every hug on the pitch, it was clear that the real winner was inclusion.o

Organized with the support of The Genuine Foundation and the Torras Lombana Foundation, the Genuine Cup proves once again that football is a universal language, capable of uniting cultures, creating friendships, and transforming lives.

Houston has been buzzing with the passion and diversity that only sports can provide!