There might not be a summer World Cup in 2022, with events kicking off in Qatar in November instead of the traditional time of year, but players representing a number of nations will have a tournament of their own in Paris.
The Barrio Nation Cup began in 2019, and has grown to the point that last year’s final was held in front of a crowd of 1,500. This is not a professional tournament, though. Rather, it is an opportunity for Parisians - including immigrants and diaspora members - to represent the countries of their heritage in what the locals call ‘streetfoot’.
For four straight years, players have gathered at the Elisabeth Stadium on ‘Le Plateau’, a ground in Paris’ 14th arrondissement, to challenge for glory. Ahead of the 2022 edition, Mirror Football spoke to organiser Ferhat Cicek to get a feel for what to expect.
