Romania reaches the semifinals of the Unity EURO Cup 2026

In a remarkable achievement, Romania has reached the semifinals of the Unity EURO Cup 2026, marking the country's first participation in this inspiring tournament dedicated to refugee teams. This competition took place on October 15 in Coverciano, Italy, and brought together 22 teams from various backgrounds.

To secure their spot in the semifinals, Romania showcased impressive performances, defeating teams from Austria, Albania, Belgium, and Malta. The initiative for Romania's participation stemmed from the Romanian Football Federation (FRF), which was supported by UNHCR, UEFA, and the Tei Cultural and Sports Club.

The team was selected following the 'Împreună pe teren' tournament held in June 2026 in Bucharest, organized to commemorate World Refugee Day. This event involved over 60 participants and featured six mixed teams, emphasizing inclusion and community.

Florin Șari, the FRF's social responsibility manager, expressed pride in the Romanian team during its inaugural appearance. He highlighted how football can break down barriers, a sentiment echoed by Pablo Zapata, UNHCR's representative in Romania, who noted that refugees proudly wore Romania's colors.

The Unity EURO Cup 2026 was organized by UEFA in partnership with UNHCR and aimed to create a safe and inclusive space for refugees and host communities. Each team consisted of seven refugee players and four from host communities, ensuring representation and diversity.

This year's tournament included four more teams than in 2025 and was characterized by friendship, mutual respect, and solidarity among participants. Giovanni Malagò, president of FIGC, expressed honor in hosting the Unity EURO Cup, reinforcing the tournament's role in promoting sustainable football practices as part of UEFA's 2030 sustainability strategy.