Portland Hosts 'World Cup' Soccer Tournament for Immigrant Girls

Mon Mar 30 2026 21:24:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A unique soccer tournament aimed at immigrant and refugee girls took place in Portland, Oregon, fostering community and resilience amid fears from federal immigration enforcement.

The inaugural 'World Cup' for immigrant girls was held in Portland, Oregon, created by community leader Som Subedi to promote joy and unity among young players facing fears due to U.S. immigration policies. Subedi, an immigrant from Bhutan, emphasized that the event serves as more than just a competition, providing a supportive community and raising awareness of the pressures immigrant families face. The tournament brought together girls aged 10-18 from various backgrounds, illustrating the power of sport to build connections amidst challenges.

PORTLAND, Ore. — “Push!” “Press!” “Good ball!”

The atmosphere was electric as the soccer coach rallied his team during the tournament dubbed the 'World Cup' for immigrant and refugee girls. Held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, the event was more than just about goals—it was a celebration of community strength, designed to uplift players and their families affected by federal immigration actions.

Som Subedi, a Bhutanese immigrant and community advocate, initiated this tournament as a beacon of joy and hope. Each goal scored was not only celebrated but a triumph against fear and adversity faced by many of the players’ families impacted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“ICE and federal enforcement must be out of our parking lots, out of our soccer fields, and most importantly, out of the fear in our hearts and minds,” Subedi stated during the opening ceremony. His words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the critical need for safe spaces amidst ongoing immigration challenges.

The tournament featured girls from diverse backgrounds, with families hailing from countries such as Mexico, Somalia, and Myanmar, demonstrating a unifying spirit. Young players like Valeria Hernandez shared personal stories of their struggles, including her brother’s recent deportation. The emotional weight was palpable as families and friends gathered, crossing cultural boundaries through the shared love of soccer.

Support extended beyond soccer as local police and immigrant rights organizations provided a presence to ensure safety, adhering to Oregon's sanctuary laws which prohibit assisting federal immigration enforcement. This collaborative effort aimed to foster an atmosphere of protection rather than policing, enabling young athletes to focus on their games rather than fears about immigration enforcement.

The event was free for participants, thanks to numerous donations which covered jerseys, cleats, and trophies for the first and second place teams. It was a remarkable day, filled with laughter, skill, and the undeniable bond sports can create, reflecting why soccer remains one of the world's most inclusive and celebrated sports.

As Subedi aptly put it, soccer requires no language, just a shared passion for play: “You just come together and play.”