Local Meet the World tournaments completed. Next stop Gothia Cup

<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/ueditor/php/upload/image/20260826/1787754657599518.png" title="1787754657599518.png" alt="1.png"/></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">All local Meet the World tournaments, SKF hosted pre-Gothia Cup tournaments arranged around the world, have now been completed. This year, 15 tournaments were held to decide which teams would earn a spot in the 2026 edition of the Gothia Cup. In total the SKF teams include 12 boys’ teams, 6 girls’ teams and 3 Special Olympics teams all competing as part of the Meet the World initiative. The winning teams are now preparing for their journey to Gothenburg, Sweden, in July, where they will represent both their countries and SKF. For many of the players, this is a once in a lifetime experience and the first time they travel abroad and compete with teams from other countries.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Tournaments like this, highlight the importance of grassroot football. It lays a strong foundation for women’s football and youth development, supporting girls and giving them a local, national and international arena.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s about more than the game &nbsp; SKF has been the main sponsor of Gothia Cup since 2006, and has run local pre tournaments, since 2007. While Gothia Cup has grown into a global meeting place where young players from all over the world come together, Meet the World consists of local football tournaments held in countries where SKF operates. The winning teams earn the opportunity to travel to Gothenburg and take part in the Gothia Cup, the world’s largest and most international youth football tournament. Here, different cultures, languages, and life experiences meet—united by football as the common language. Since its inception, SKF has supported more than 5,000 players from 260 qualifying tournaments around the world, on their journey to Gothia Cup. Each trip carries new stories, new perspectives, and memories that extend far beyond final scores and league tables.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">15 tournaments, 21 teams&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Zambia &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;The Meet the World tournament in Lusaka, Zambia, gathered six girls’ teams competing for a place at Gothia Cup. The event highlighted the importance of grassroots football and the growing development of girls’ football in the country. After a strong performance throughout the day, BUSA Queens lifted the trophy. They will represent Zambia in the Girls 15 category in Gothenburg this summer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">USA &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;The Meet the World tournament in Philadelphia, USA, brought together teams competing for a place at Gothia Cup. The final was decided in a dramatic penalty shootout after a closely contested match. The Anderson Monarchs claimed victory and secured qualification. They will now travel to Gothenburg, Sweden, to represent the United States this summer. A journey that is expected to provide invaluable experiences for life through new interactions, connections and friendships.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Brazil &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;The Meet the World tournament in Brazil, held in Jundiaí, S?o Paulo, brought together twelve teams competing in the Boys 14 category. The event combined high-level football with strong community engagement. Esporte Clube Panorama claimed the title for the second consecutive year. They will now represent Brazil at Gothia Cup in Sweden this summer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ukraine &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;This year, Meet the World also includes a special contribution from Ukraine. In collaboration with our colleagues in the Lutsk factory and the Kiev Sales unit, six Ukrainian teams (boys and girls aged eleven to sixteen) will participate in Gothia Cup under the Meet the World flag. Although no local tournaments could be held, this special edition ensures that young players are still given the opportunity to be part of the Gothia Cup experience in Gothenburg, Sweden, in July.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">India &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;The Meet the World tournament in India, held from April 7th-10th, brought together over 150 athletes from sixteen states. Over four days, players with intellectual disabilities competed in an inclusive and highly competitive environment. Following the tournament, 24 players were selected to represent India at the Gothia Cup Special Olympics in Sweden this summer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to above teams, these are also making the trip to Gothia Cup in just about a month: &nbsp; 1. FC Passau U17 from Germany Inspire FA from Nigeria Akademi Persib Cimahi and Putri Tangsel FC from Indonesia SKF MTW Belgie from Belgium FUTBOYs X Pattaya United form Thailand SK Polanka nad Odrou from the Czech Republic Accademia Sport from Italy FC Rozova Dolina Kazanlak from Bulgaria Destiny Eagles FC from Malaysia Périgord Bergerac FC from France</span></p>