Football for the Future: Protecting the Rainforest Through Sport

In the heart of the Amazon, a unique football tournament is making a difference. In partnership with Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s most renowned football clubs, Norway supported the first edition of the Xingu Cup: For a Greener Future—a competition that unites sport and environmental protection.

Held on January 29 and 30 in the Xingu Indigenous Territory, located in the state of Mato Grosso, the tournament brought together four female and four male teams, showcasing how football is more than just a game. The event celebrated sport as a tool for unity, and raised awareness about the importance of the environment, sustainability, and gender equality.

The Xingu Territory is home to extraordinary biodiversity and indigenous cultures who have safeguarded the forest for centuries. But this region faces constant threats from deforestation, wildfires and exploitation.

A movement for a greener future

To highlight the urgency of protection of this ecosystem, the tournament included a symbolic act: the restoration of 0.3 hectares, the size of half a football field, of forest in the Yawalapiti Village. With the support of the non-profit Xingu Seeds Network, 30 kg of seeds from about 50 species were sown using the muvuca de sementes technique—a powerful method that involves planting a mix of seeds from dozens of native species all at once, mimicking natural regeneration processes.

This initiative underscores the connection between indigenous communities and environmental preservation. These guardians of the rainforest have long protected the rainforests, and through events like the Xingu Cup, their crucial role is recognized and strengthened. Football, a sport that brings people together across borders, is now also a tool for raising awareness and fostering a commitment to safeguarding our planet.

Norway remains committed in its dedication to preserving Brazilian forests and supporting indigenous rights. The Xingu Cup exemplifies how sports can transcend competition and inspire future generations to cherish and protect the Amazon.

Read more about our work with indigenous peoples and Brazil.