Did you know? The 2016 Homeless Football World Cup was won by Cambodia.

Despite the fact that Cambodia hasn’t yet reached the FIFA World Cup, we do have other football victories to cherish. Since 2008, HFCA (Happy Football Cambodia Australia), a nonprofit organization, has participated in the Homeless World Cup by sending a squad.

Since its establishment in 2001, the foundation has hosted this yearly competition to promote homelessness elimination via sports. HFCA has been preparing, selecting, and sponsoring the four-player Cambodian national teams (with reserves) to participate internationally in places like Brazil, Scotland, and Norway.

These homeless athletes are given the opportunity to participate in fully financed training programs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The 2016 squad went on to defeat Sweden in the final game to bring home their first trophy, and upon their return, they also made the top page of the Phnom Penh Post!