Landmark moment for European disability football

The 2026 IFCPF World Championships, which took place from 18 to 24 August in Loughborough, England, were won by Italy, who defeated USA 3-1 in the final to remain unbeaten and clinch the title for the first time.

Meanwhile, in their first international competition, Kazakhstan delivered a memorable result by beating the hosts 7-2 in the third-place play-off, with Aldamir Amantaev named player of the match.

This bronze medal highlights the growth of CP football in Kazakhstan, where recent coach education initiatives and efforts to develop a sustainable national championship have been supported by the Kazakhstan Football Federation as part of its commitment to making football accessible for all. This same mission also led to the launch last year of the national UNI Football League for children with developmental disabilities including autism and Down's syndrome.

Chingis Temerkhanov, head coach of the country's CP football team, has been part of the Kazakh set-up since it joined the IFCPF in 2017, and he was thrilled that his players finally had the chance to compete internationally.

"In a relatively short period of time, we have made significant progress and reached the international stage," he said. "Our participation shows people with physical disabilities that football is open to them.

"We have seen the international level of CP football first-hand and will bring this invaluable experience back to Kazakhstan to help develop the national team and the wider para football system."

KFF