David Beckham and U2 team up for World Cup short film highlighting child homelessness

Sir David Beckham and U2 have collaborated on a short film released during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that tells the story of a young girl navigating homelessness who finds purpose through football.

The film, titled Street of Dreams, is powered by Bank of America and set to a new U2 track of the same name.

It follows a character called Calle, played by newcomer Nevaeh Derricks, whose life has been disrupted by homelessness but who refuses to give up on her dream of playing soccer.

Beckham appears in the film as a personification of Calle’s inner voice, a guardian figure only she can see, who represents belief and opportunity during her most difficult moments.

What is the film about?

Street of Dreams follows Calle as she holds on to football as a source of stability while dealing with uncertainty and self-doubt.

Beckham’s role is symbolic rather than narrative, appearing as an inner voice who stands with her when it matters most.

The film was directed by award-winning creative duo King She, made up of Radha Ganti and Robert Lopuski, whose work has received more than 75 awards and nominations including Cannes Lions recognition and an AICP Best New Director honour.

“The film is one girl’s journey, but really the story is about resilience and what can happen when someone believes in you,” King She said.

“We wanted to tell that story in a way that felt almost mythical. Music, soccer and imagination blur together to create possibility.”

The film was created, developed and produced by Freuds, in association with production company Somesuch.

What has Beckham said?

Beckham, who serves as Bank of America’s Sports with Us Global Ambassador, said the campaign was personal to him.

“Football has given me opportunities I could never have imagined, but none of it would have been possible without people who believed in me along the way,” he said.

“Through my work with Bank of America and Street Child United, I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible young people from around the world who have overcome unimaginable challenges with courage, resilience and hope. Their stories stay with you.”

He added: “Sport has the power to create confidence, connection and possibility, but every young person also needs someone who believes in them.”

What is Street Child United’s involvement?

The film spotlights the work of Street Child United, an international children’s charity that runs the Street Child World Cup.

The 2026 edition took place in Mexico City from May 5-15, bringing together 28 teams of street-connected young people from around the world to play football, share their experiences, and develop advocacy demands for governments and institutions.

The film’s release coincides with the end of Street Child United’s #IAmSomebody Tour, delivered in partnership with Bank of America.

The tour brought young leaders from the Street Child World Cup to communities and decision-makers across North America during the FIFA World Cup.

As part of the tour, Beckham hosted an event at Nu Stadium, Inter Miami’s home ground, where the young leaders spoke about their experiences and how they are using sport as a vehicle for change.

What did U2 say?

U2 attended the 2026 Street Child World Cup in Mexico City and said the experience left a lasting impression.

“We came away with far more than we expected,” the band said.

“It was a privilege to be there in person to watch some great football, soak up the atmosphere and witness these extraordinary young athletes reminding everyone what talent looks like when it refuses to take no for an answer.”

Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. described Street Child United as “a little NGO and a very big deal for kids with so much talent but no access”.

The band added: “We’re honoured that Street of Dreams could play a small part in telling a much bigger story.”

Where can you watch it?

The full short film is available to watch now on YouTube.

A 30-second TV commercial cut from the film will also be broadcast across Fox and Telemundo during their World Cup coverage in North America.

Bank of America has committed to impacting more than one million young people globally through its Soccer with Us platform by the end of 2026, supporting young people aged 6-18 by combining sport with life skills.

The bank’s Soccer at Schools initiative, in partnership with US Soccer and the Soccer Forward Foundation, aims to make football accessible to every school in the country by 2030.