Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School recently kicked off the excitement for Copa de las Rosas with a lively country selection event, launching preparations for a cultural and educational soccer tournament that celebrates global connections, bilingual education, and student leadership. The event builds anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States this summer.
Copa de las Rosas will bring together bilingual fifth-grade classes from nine Tyler ISD campuses, with each school representing a different country in a celebration of global culture, teamwork, and friendly competition. The country selection marked the official start of the tournament experience, sparking enthusiasm among students as they learned which nation they will proudly represent.
The participating schools and their countries are:
Austin Elementary – Norway
Bell Elementary – France
Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School – Portugal
Bonner Elementary – Belgium
Douglas Elementary – Colombia
Griffin Elementary – Spain
Orr Elementary – Germany
Peete Elementary – Canada
Ramey Elementary – Argentina
Leading up to the tournament, students will explore the history, traditions, and cultures of their assigned countries while preparing to represent them on the field. The experience blends academics, cultural exploration, and athletics, giving students a unique opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to a real-world global celebration.
The Copa de las Rosas tournament will take place on April 30 at Lindsey Park, where teams will compete in a day filled with school spirit, sportsmanship, and international pride. For many students, the event will be their first opportunity to participate in a large-scale tournament while proudly representing a country from around the world.
The event highlights Tyler ISD’s commitment to bilingual education, leadership development, and meaningful cultural learning experiences that help students build confidence and broaden their global perspectives.
“Copa de las Rosas is more than a soccer tournament; it is a celebration of our students’ languages, cultures, and global perspectives,” said Birdwell Principal Mina Naranjo. “As the World Cup returns to the United States, this is a meaningful way to connect classroom learning with real-world global events while celebrating bilingual excellence in our community.”
As excitement continues to build, Copa de las Rosas reflects Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School’s ongoing commitment to expanding bilingual opportunities and preparing students to thrive as global citizens, both in the classroom and beyond.