Kicking off for another year: Built World Cup 2026 launched

This year, proceeds from the cup will go to BRAVE to Rebuild, a charity uniting experts, volunteers, businesses and the international community for the recovery of towns and villages across Ukraine.

Proceeds from last year’s tournament went to Re:Ukraine, an arm of a Ukrainian architecture practice Balbek Bureau, which helps restore residential buildings in a simple and accessible way. Hawkins says, “We are very privileged to be raising money for another fantastic charity in Ukraine that is doing an incredible job in helping people to rebuild their lives and their homes.”

Alona Krytsuk, co-founder and director of BRAVE to Rebuild, says, “BRAVE to Rebuild is happy to join the Built World Cup initiative that will help us to fund rehabilitation projects that we are currently running in Ukraine. It is our strong belief that the support of our friends from all over the world, and in particular Great Britain, is the source of our nation’s strength and resilience.”

Winners of the tournament will lift its coveted Pineapple trophy, made famous at The Pineapples awards. PRP Architects claimed the prize for 2025, with GIA taking Plate and Native Land, the Vase.

MacLeod says, “We know that nothing tastes sweeter than raising a golden Pineapple trophy – whether you’re winning it for your contribution to a place in The Pineapples awards or your football prowess in the Built World Cup.”

Louise Constantine, founding director of The Crowd, proud sponsor of the event, says, “After a brilliant first Built World Cup we couldn’t wait to come back for 2026. Everyone at The Crowd is so proud to be a part of this fantastic event that raises so much money for such a good cause!”

The Goodsyard is also supporting the Built World Cup 2026 as Host Sponsor. Shoreditch Powerleague sits on the site of The Goodsyard, a joint venture between Hammerson and Ballymore to deliver homes, offices, public, leisure, cultural spaces, and more. The Goodsyard fought it out on the pitch last year.

Hawkins says, “We’re delighted to have The Crowd return and The Goodsyard join us on our growing list of supporters.”

New teams should register their interest using the form on Eventbrite. Teams that competed last year have priority until 10 January to secure limited places – they should reach out to Hawkins via email.

“We look forward meeting new teams and former opponents on the pitch,” says MacLeod. Prior to the tournament, a group stage draw will be held at an in-person party in late April. All participating teams will be invited to attend.