Genuine Cup

With support from the New Zealand Football Foundation for their team uniforms, the players headed to Houston ready to wear their country’s colours with pride.

Held at Rice University in Texas from 27 July to 1 August 2026, the Genuine Cup brought together 53 teams from around the world. It is an international football tournament for players with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, giving them the opportunity to compete overseas, meet other footballers and represent their communities and countries.

The teams came to play football, but there was plenty to enjoy between matches too. Staying and eating together on the university campus gave players time to get to know one another. The organisers described an atmosphere where teams celebrated each other’s goals and encouraged their opponents as well as their teammates.

For the New Zealand players, it was a special time to be heading to Houston. The city had just hosted matches at the FIFA World Cup, and the Genuine Cup followed soon afterwards. In the same city that had welcomed some of the world’s best footballers, these players now had their own chance to take part in an international tournament.

The New Zealand squad included athletes from Special Olympics clubs across the South Island, many of whom had played at the 2025 National Summer Games in Christchurch. Working together, Special Olympics New Zealand and New Zealand Football helped turn the trip into a reality, with five team management personnel supporting the 14 athletes. For the players, it meant taking their football further from home, facing new opponents and finding out what they could do as a team.

There were some tough games—and some seriously hot weather. Houston’s heat and humidity took some getting used to, but the team kept going, supported each other and made the most of their time on the pitch.

For Jacob Hall, playing against Peru was a highlight. He enjoyed being part of the New Zealand team, appreciated the help of the coaches and support staff, and felt proud to receive a medal at the end of the competition.

His memories of Texas stretch well beyond football. There was a visit to NASA, a rodeo, a turn on a mechanical bull and the chance to meet the Harlem Globetrotters and get their autographs. These were things he had previously only dreamed of doing.

Back home, Jacob was keen to share it all with friends and family—and the stories kept coming.

“It has been great to see the increase in his confidence as a result of the experience,” his parent said in the team’s report.

Alongside those memories, the players have their New Zealand uniforms to keep. As Special Olympics New Zealand shared in its report, the athletes will cherish the gear they wore to represent their country for years to come.

We’re delighted to have played a small part in their trip. Congratulations to all 14 players and the people who supported them—for taking on the challenge, looking after one another and bringing home so many memories.

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