WILLEMSTAD – Fundashon Bicentini is wrapping up four community projects this week, marking the successful conclusion of its three-month World Cup 2026 for Children program. According to founder Remko Bicentini, the initiative has fully achieved its objective of using football as a tool to promote health, inclusion and social development among young people.
"We look back with great pride on the Fundashon Bicentini World Cup 2026 for Children. Our objective has absolutely been achieved," Bicentini said.
The tournament brought together 48 teams representing primary schools and neighborhoods across Curaçao. While the competition centered on football, the program also encouraged children to engage with broader social themes, including healthy living, inclusion, participation and community connection.
"We wanted children to work on their physical health, social skills and civic engagement in a fun, educational and sporting environment," Bicentini explained. "Football is a powerful tool for creating connections and introducing important social issues at an early age."
Over the course of the tournament, 104 matches were played. Each team represented a different country while also completing a community project linked to the tournament's social themes. The final four projects are being completed this week.
According to Bicentini, one of the program's greatest achievements was the level of sportsmanship displayed by the participants.
"My motto has always been that participating is more important than winning," he said. "Of course, the tournament became increasingly competitive, but the respect these children showed each other was remarkable."
He believes the program's greatest success lies not in the match results, but in the personal development of the participants.
"Football is a life lesson," Bicentini said. "It teaches children that where you come from is not a limitation, that talent exists everywhere, and that together you are stronger than alone."
The idea for a children's World Cup dates back to 2021, when Bicentini was serving as assistant coach of Canada's national team during its preparation for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. A Canadian team manager suggested organizing a similar tournament for the children involved with Fundashon Bicentini.
"At first I thought it might be too ambitious, but it turned out to be a fantastic idea," Bicentini said. "This year we finally made a reality of what started as a simple thought."
The foundation has already confirmed that the Children's World Cup will return in the future. In addition, its From Street to Stadium program will be held for the third consecutive year during the upcoming summer vacation, while another new sports and social initiative for children is also in development.
"This World Cup was not the finish line," Bicentini said. "It was the beginning of greater self-confidence, new opportunities and hope. We have invested in the future of Curaçao's children, and we will continue to do so."