An action-packed week of international football is on its way to Cardiff as the capital prepares to host the 2019Homeless World Cup.

Final preparations are being made for the tournament in Bute Park which will see 500 participants from almost 50 countries across the globe battle it out to become World Champions.

A total of 60 teams will play in the competition from Saturday July 27 to August 3.

The Men's/Mixed competition will feature 44 teams competing for six separate trophies, while the Women's competition will see 16 teams playing for two trophies.

Ahead of the action on the pitch, the event will kick offon Saturday July 27with a parade of competing nation's teams from the Principality Stadium across the city centre and into Bute Park. The opening ceremony will then take place ahead of the first match featuring Wales's women's team. 

Away from the action on the pitch, there will be fun, family activities around the tournament site

including a Child Friendly Cardiff Zone. Organised by Cardiff Council Youth Services, in partnership with Techniqest, John Lewis & Partners, GLL, Omidaze Productions, Keep Wales Tidy and Cancer Research Wales, the zone is open throughout the tournament. The Youth Service Bus will be there, with decks, iMac's and gaming area.

Other attractions include activities from Techniquest, Omnidaze's Dressing Up Box Selfie Stand, and against the clock beach clean-ups from Keep Wales Tidy, as part of their Tackling Marine Litter sessions.

GLL, the organisation that runs Cardiff's Better leisure centres, will have its smoothie bike, Cancer Research Wales will be providing fun science activities, and John Lewis & Partners will also have fun games and activities for all the family, as well as a free shoe-fitting stall.

Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "Cardiff is very much looking forward to hosting the Homeless World Cup later this month. We know from the success of previous tournaments across the globe that this will be a big occasion for the city and another great chance to showcase our strong track record of delivering major international sporting events.

"A warm Welsh welcome is guaranteed for all the players and spectators coming from around the world, and I'm delighted the Council is supporting the delivery of the event. We hope they enjoy their time in Cardiff and encourage Cardiff residents and people from the wider area to come along to Bute Park to support the teams, especially Wales, and the whole event.

"The very best of luck to everyone competing. We're looking forward to following the action on the pitch.

"Of course we know that this tournament is about much more than a game.

"I'm pleased that hosting the Homelessness World Cup will shine a spotlight on the issue in Cardiff, and the wider country. Since 2010, homelessness and rough sleeping have risen consistently in cities across the UK, and so I welcome the opportunity the tournament brings to discuss this complex issue, and share the actions Cardiff Council is taking.

"We are working really hard to tackle the issue and to help people onto the path towards rebuilding their lives. We have some of the best services in the country, includingour multi-disciplinary team and are ready to support people with very complex needs that have resulted in them being on the streets, to come off the streets for good.

"I hope the tournament acts as an inspiration for those seeking to turn their lives around, and we will do everything we can to help them do so."

For more information about the Cardiff 2019 Homeless World Cup, visit homelessworldcup.org