World Cup Returns to Mexico: Documentary Reveals Belgium's 1986 Good Deed

2026 World Cup Key News

Central Message

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Bo-Wei Brussels 12th special correspondent) During the 1986 Mexico World Cup, the Belgian national team 'Red Devils' donated part of their prize money to establish a children's shelter, Casa Hogar, in Mexico to protect orphans and poor children. Forty years later, as the World Cup returns to Mexico, a Belgian TV station invites several players from that time to revisit the shelter and film a documentary, bringing this story back into the spotlight.

The Belgian French-language public service broadcaster (RTBF) recently released a documentary titled 'The Red Devils and the Children of Casa Hogar,' which tells this historical story.

According to the RTBF official website's introduction to this documentary, the Belgian national team, known as the 'Red Devils,' reached the semifinals in the 1986 Mexico World Cup, leaving a deep impression on the collective memory of Belgians.

During their preparation and matches in Mexico, the players witnessed many local children being abandoned and becoming orphans, while child poverty was also severe. Therefore, the players decided to jointly fund, along with the Royal Belgian Football Association, the establishment of a children's shelter in the area. After 40 years, this shelter named Casa Hogar continues to operate and help children.

In addition to presenting this story to the world again on the occasion of the World Cup's return to Mexico, the documentary also invited three former Belgian national team players who were involved at the time to revisit the shelter and meet with the current operating team members and the children in care.

According to the Casa Hogar official website, the funds donated by the Belgian national team at that time came from the match prize money, and in cooperation with local hotel operators, this good deed was realized.

Since 1986, the Royal Belgian Football Association has continuously raised funds to support daily operations. By 2015, a newly established non-profit organization, New Casa Hogar, took over, responsible for charitable activities in Belgium, corporate sponsorship, and public fundraising, continuing to support the operation of the shelter.

Currently, Casa Hogar, in addition to serving as a shelter for disadvantaged children, also provides comprehensive education. Many local children have learned to read, write, and acquire skills here. Some local enterprises even provide scholarships to support the children until they complete their university studies. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150613

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