FAQ
Everything you need to know
Taking Part
How can I play in the Mental Health World Cup?
Learn how to play in our tournaments by clicking here.
What are the dates of this years (2026) tournament?
Watford FC on Saturday 9th May
QPR FC on Friday 15th May
Everton FC on Friday 22nd May (Goodison Park)
Millwall FC on Sunday 24th May
(All times TBC and dates subject to change - in previous years we tend to open doors at 9am and kick off at 10am with the final between 3-4pm. Exact timings will be confirmed.)
Is it open to everyone?
You must be aged 18 and over to take part for insurance and safe guarding. Whilst a majority of participants are male, we welcome everyone and last year, around 10% of players were female mainly playing for a mixed team with 1 or 2 all female teams.
What happens if there are no spaces left?
Every year, teams for the Mental Health World Cup sell out. However, additional spaces do sometimes become available! We operate a waiting list, so drop us a message and we'll let you know if a spot frees up.
What happens if I fall short of our fundraising target?
To keep the Mental Health World Cup running whilst still being able to generously donate to our charity partners, we need each team to meet their fundraising target before hitting the pitch.
Teams that fail to hit their target will be asked on the day to make up the shortfall, or else they will unfortunately be unable to take part.
Are there any free places available?
Every year we donate several spots to teams who work within football and mental health. If you’d like to be considered, please complete this application form and we'll notify the successful teams by Mid-March 2026.
https://www.mentalhealthworldcup.org.uk/charity2026
Our complimentary spaces are limited, so get in touch ASAP!
How do I find out tournament details (eg. who's on my team, who I'm playing against etc...)
We use Tournify to track teams, players, and fixtures. This will be set up in the coming weeks, sign up to our newsletter to find out when we launch and how to use the app.
When do I find out what country my team will be representing?
Each team that takes part gets three choices for what country they would like to represent. Teams are than allocated countries based on their fundraising performance with a priority given to teams that raise the most in the quickest period.
Teams are announced at the Mental Health World Cup draw that takes place in March, two months before the tournaments kick off.
Game Day
What shall I wear?
Once you've hit your fundraising target, we will provide your team with complimentary football shirts and shorts on the day. All kits are standard sizes: 3 x Large, 3 x X-Large, and 1 x XX-Large with all GK an X-Large. The Kelme kit does come up a little small so don't worry if the sizes seem large for your team, we've ran with these average sizes for years!
All players need appropriate footwear for the pitch and we would recommend shin pads.
What shall I do when I arrive?
Each team should arrive together at the players entrance of your chosen stadium, where a steward will sign you in.
Spectators should enter via the spectator entrance.
Where can I get dressed on the day and are shower facilities available?
Facilities vary depending on the stadium, we will update you closer to the time once details are confirmed.
What about if we have a coach? Can they come along?
Absolutely! They would need to purchase a spectator ticket and enter via the spectator entrance. Once inside the stadium, each team is allowed a maximum of two coaches to support them pitch side.
On the Pitch
How many minutes will I play?
Teams play ten to thirteen minutes for each game depending on the event you’ve entered. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of one hour on the pitch in total and a lot more if you get to the final on the day.
Time is managed centrally and the games are designed to keep running. Reminder this is a charity football event and should be played in that spirit.
What is the skill-level of the teams?
Whether a beginner or semi-pro, we welcome players of all skill levels. No matter your ability, we respect everyone on the pitch.
What’s the tournament format?
Our tournament works in a Round Robin format. This is followed by knockout rounds until we have our top 2 teams, who will play against one another in the final.
Specific details will be released via Tournify. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when these are published.
What if I'm late to my match?
We have lots of teams taking part, so it's important we run on time. For every minute your team is late to a match, the opposing team will be given a goal (up to a maximum of 5).
Gameplay
Substitutions
Substitutions can be made at any point during the game and are “rolling”, but teams must notify the referee. Play will not stop for substitutions. There is no limit to the amount of substitutions a team can make.
Goalkeepers and Goal Areas
Only the designated goalkeeper is allowed inside the designated goal area. A penalty will be given if any of the following occurs:
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If there are two players in the designated goal area during a shot from the opposition.
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If the goalkeeper leaves the area for any reason during play.
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If any defending players touch the ball in the area, a penalty may be given at the referee’s discretion.
A goal kick will be awarded if an attacking player goes into the goal area. If momentum takes the attacker into the area but the shot left their foot before their foot entered, the goal will be given.
Goalkeepers can roll, throw or kick the ball out. If the goalkeeper throws, kicks or rolls the ball out over head height, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the kick off spot.
Free Kicks
All free kicks must be taken indirectly. The ball must be placed at the point of the foul and can be taken by any player. The opposing team must be one metre from the ball when a free kick is taken. Goals will not be awarded if scored directly from a free kick.
A free kick can be given for one of the following:
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The ball going over head height, whether that be a deflection or kicked directly from a player. It’s whoever it hits last.
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Charging
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Roughness
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Handball
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Dangerous play
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Time wasting
The referee is able to include a sin bin for two minutes as well as a free kick if they feel it’s necessary.
Slide Tackles
Slide tackles are not allowed. Any player using them will be sin binned, and removed from the game if their behaviour persists.
Back Passes
Back passes to the goalkeeper ARE allowed. The goalkeeper is allowed to pick the ball up from a back pass. Multiple back passes to a goalkeeper will be reviewed at the referee’s discretion and a free kick can be awarded if they feel it’s getting ridiculous.
Head Height
Head height is taken at the height of the crossbar, any ball kicked over that height results in a free kick. Any rebounds off of goalkeepers that go over head height will result in play carrying on.
Penalties
The penalty taker can only take one step before their penalty kick. The penalty taker is not permitted to run-up to the ball before taking the shot.
Respect
The referee’s decisions on the pitch are final.
Spectators
How do I purchase spectator tickets?
Spectator tickets will be released end of Feb/early March 2026. Follow our social media or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when they become available and how to purchase.
What accessibility information do you have?
Our events are a partnership with the clubs, and we follow their guidelines around accessibility. Please visit the relevant websites below for more info:
Is parking available?
Please note, that there is no parking available at any of our stadiums. Please use Parkopedia to find out your best option.
Is food/drink provided?
We will be providing refreshments, although additional food can also be purchased from one of the stadium kiosks throughout the event.
Get in Touch
Question unanswered? Drop us an email below.