The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just a week away. But for a young football team in one of Rio de Janeiro’s poorest favelas, their moment on the international stage has already happened. Last month, they represented Brazil in the Street Child World Cup in Mexico and brought home the trophy.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just a week away. But for a young football team in one of Rio de Janeiro’s poorest favelas, their moment on the international stage has already…

João Victor Gonçalves, from one of Rio de Janeiro's poorest favelas, has achieved a dream by playing soccer internationally.

João Victor Gonçalves, from one of Rio de Janeiro's poorest favelas, has achieved a dream by playing soccer internationally