Muslim Hands France

MHF x PAC 18 COLLABORATION: HUMANITARIAN ACTION AT THE HEART OF SPORT

Every year, one event transforms the north of Paris. For an entire month, the asphalt of Square Léon (18th arrondissement) comes alive with the excitement of the Paris African Cup (PAC 18). More than just a street football tournament, this “African Cup of Nations of the neighborhoods” has become a major celebration of diversity, youth, and social cohesion.

Founded in 2019, PAC 18 was created by a collective of passionate young people, educators, and community organizations from the Goutte d’Or and La Chapelle districts. Their initial ambition was to provide a large-scale summer activity for the youth of the 18th arrondissement while celebrating the area’s incredible cultural diversity, home to more than 60 different nationalities.

The tournament was an immediate success, turning every match into a giant neighborhood festival. Driven by remarkable community enthusiasm, it brings people together through sport in the most festive way possible.

Families come to support the players, local businesses join the celebrations, and social media buzzes with videos of dazzling dribbles and vibrant crowd atmospheres. The tournament has even been featured in documentaries, such as Barbès Football Nation, which highlight its unique and inspiring dynamic.

As the 7th edition kicks off, Muslim Hands France is proud to announce its new partnership with PAC 18. The goal is to harness the energy and connections created through sport to support tangible humanitarian projects, including the construction of schools, water wells, and football pitches.

A TOURNAMENT MODELED AFTER THE REAL AFCON

Just like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the tournament features 24 teams and usually runs for a month, from late May to late June. Each team represents a nation (Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, etc.) and is made up of five players from the 18th arrondissement and neighboring districts.

While African national teams remain at the heart of the competition, a few surprise teams such as France, Oakland (United States), and Brazil also participate, enhancing the festive and inclusive spirit of the tournament.

Egypt, the team sponsored by Muslim Hands France, got off to a perfect start with a 4–3 victory over the United States in their opening match, despite trailing 2–0 earlier in the game.

The Pharaohs then maintained their momentum by securing an exciting 4–4 draw against France. With four points from two matches, they are in a strong position to advance through the group stage and qualify for the Round of 16.

The improvised stands around the fenced pitch are packed with spectators, and the referees’ whistles barely rise above the songs and chants of the supporters. At the center of the action is the city stadium at Square Léon (20 Rue des Gardes), in the heart of the Goutte d’Or district. This enclosed space creates an intense atmosphere, with highly competitive matches played on a reduced-size pitch.

AN INITIATIVE DESIGNED TO UNITE, EMPOWER, AND CONNECT

While football is at the heart of the event, the organizers and partner organizations (such as Espoir 18, which also manages several Paris Youth Centers) share a much broader ambition:

Bringing the neighborhood together: Uniting different generations and communities from Goutte d’Or, La Chapelle, and surrounding areas in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.

Empowering young people: Giving the youth of the 18th arrondissement the opportunity to organize, shine, and showcase a positive image of their neighborhoods.

Building bridges: The tournament attracts local brands (such as Maison Château Rouge), nearby businesses, and support from the district town hall.

By successfully channeling the energy of young people into a common and peaceful project, PAC 18 proves every year that grassroots football is one of the most effective ways to create pride, unity, and social connection.

To follow the tournament’s progress, highlights, and results, visit Instagram:
@muslimhandsfr (Muslim Hands France)
@pac18__ (PAC 18)

Together, let us transform the passion for football and sport into lasting action for those who need it most.