U2 HAVE thrown their support behind a global football tournament for vulnerable young people after making a surprise appearance at the Street Child World Cup in Mexico.
The Dublin band attended the finals of the competition in Texcoco, near Mexico City, where teams from around the world gathered to take part in the event organised by Street Child United.
Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. were photographed meeting organisers and young participants at the tournament, which aims to challenge perceptions of street-connected children and promote their rights on an international stage.
U2's Larry Mullen Jr. pictured at the 2026 Street Child World Cup Finals Tournament - (Pic: Hector Vivas)Street Child United describes itself as a youth-led global movement working to improve the way street-connected young people are treated and protected around the world.
The charity's flagship Street Child World Cup combines football, arts and advocacy programmes with opportunities for young people to have their voices heard.
The 2026 tournament brought together 30 teams from across the globe for more than a week of matches and events in and around Mexico City.
U2's visit coincided with work on a music video for a new song titled Street of Dreams, which is expected to feature on the band's next studio album. Details of the album have yet to be announced.
Speaking during the visit, guitarist The Edge praised both the tournament and its host city.
"We're here in Mexico City and, as usual, loving every minute of it," he said.
"As supporters of Street Child United, we wanted to come along today to support this great cause, see some football and soak up the atmosphere.
"There's no better town to host such a brilliant event."
U2's Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. all met with organisers and young participants at the tournament (Pic: Hector Vivas)The appearance continues U2's long association with humanitarian and social justice causes.
Over the decades, the band has lent its support to campaigns focused on poverty, education, human rights and global development, often using its international profile to draw attention to charitable initiatives.
For Street Child United, having one of Ireland's most successful bands attend the tournament provided a major boost in visibility for an event designed to shine a spotlight on some of the world's most marginalised young people.
The tournament concluded in mid-May following a week of competition, cultural activities and advocacy events aimed at ensuring the voices of street-connected children are heard both on and off the pitch.
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