In the spirit of the ongoing 2026 World Cup, the first-ever World Cup Street Soccer Tournament was held at Dugan Best Park this past weekend, with 12 teams competing across three age groups.
A lifelong soccer fan and hoping to help grow the sport in Owensboro, Megan Knox, the Recreational Specialist at Dugan Best Park, hosted the tournament with help from Kayla Nunes. The duo refereed almost 30 games across three days, with Championship games held on Sunday.
“The first day went well,” Knox said. “There were a lot of goals of course. The rain did keep us inside for most of it. We were able to play games outside so I know they enjoyed that.”
There were three age groups consisting of 2nd-6th grade, 4th-9th grade, and 7th-10th grade, with four teams in each group. Each team chose a different country for their name, and the winners were awarded medals and a miniature World Cup soccer ball.
France defeated Curacao to win the 2nd-6th grade division, while there was an upset in the 4th-9th grade division. Playing up and consisting of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, Brazil were able to take down Switzerland 3-2. In the 7th-10th grade division, the game was back and forth, but Netherlands was able to outlast Mexico 4-3.
“I have had a couple conversations with a few parents and they have told me that even being the first time, is bringing recognition,” Knox said. “It’s just going to keep growing in the future. People want to play soccer.”
Planning to continue to grow the event, Knox already has a few ideas for next summer that she wants to implement.
“Each year in soccer, there is always a big tournament going on,” Knox said. “Next year is the Women’s World Cup, and then the European Championships come up. There are also other tournaments that don’t get as much recognition, like the African Cup of Nations and the Women’s African Cup of Nations. So there are many ideas for tournaments, name-wise for leagues.”
