From Mexico to Abu Dhabi: World-class Academies set for SuperCupNI showdown

Young Greenisland FC U12 players Alfie, Josh, Teddy, Jake, Zach and Theo are pictured as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms the elite international academies who will travel from Europe, North America, the Middle East and Central America to compete in the 2026 Boys’ Minor Section of the tournament.

Eight elite international academies from across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Central America have been confirmed for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Boys’ Minor Section, organisers have announced.

The prestigious youth football tournament, now entering its 43rd year, will see clubs from across the globe compete alongside Northern Ireland’s leading academies and grassroots sides from Sunday 26 July to Friday 31 July 2026.

Among the headline entrants is Atlas FC, one of Mexico’s most respected clubs. Based in Guadalajara, Atlas is internationally recognised for its academy system, which produced Rafa Márquez, regarded as one of Mexico’s greatest-ever players and a former Barcelona captain.

International academies bring global pedigree

Danish football will be represented for the first time in more than 15 years, with HIK Hellerup confirmed as tournament debutants. The Copenhagen-based side is known for operating one of Denmark’s most progressive academies.

The United States will once again be represented by Surf Select, long-standing participants at the tournament. They will be joined by Chicago City, who step up to the Boys’ Minor Section after debuting in last summer’s Junior Section.

From England, Blackburn Rovers return after finishing fourth in the 2025 Boys’ Minor Section, following a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat to Linfield in the semi-finals.

Scotland will be represented by Ross County, returning for a third successive year, and Kilmarnock FC, who reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Boys’ Minor Section.

From the Middle East, Al Jazira Club of Abu Dhabi return after finishing runners-up in the Vase competition on their debut last summer.

Strong Northern Ireland contingent confirmed

A competitive local line-up will feature:

• Linfield

• Cliftonville

• Ballymena United

• Glenavon

• Portadown

• Rosario

• Maiden City

• Newell Academy

Last summer’s Minor Section produced one of the standout finals of the 2025 tournament, as Cliftonville edged past Linfield in a high-quality all-Belfast contest at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

Young Greenisland FC U12 players Alfie, Josh, Teddy, Jake, Zach and Theo are pictured alongside Karl Bradley from Budget Energy and Sam Gamble from the Budget Energy SuperCupNI as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms the elite international academies set to compete in the 2026 Boys’ Minor Section – one of the most globally diverse line-ups in the tournament’s 43-year history.

Sean O’Loughlin, Managing Director at Budget Energy, said:

“The strength of the international line-up confirmed for the 2026 Boys’ Minor Section underlines exactly what makes the Budget Energy SuperCupNI such a special tournament.

“Bringing together elite academies from across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Central America, alongside Northern Ireland’s leading youth clubs, creates an environment that challenges and inspires young players at a crucial stage of their development.

“One of the most compelling aspects of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI is the opportunity it gives local players to test themselves against world-class opposition on home soil, while international teams experience the passion, organisation and competitive standards that define the tournament.

“With the quality of teams already announced, the Minor Section is shaping up to be one of the standout competitions of the 2026 tournament.”

Key dates and venues for SuperCupNI 2026

The 2026 tournament will welcome more than 60 Boys’ and Girls’ teams from around the world.

Organisers expect:

• Over 1,200 young players

• More than 150 matches

• Competition across five age groups

Fixtures will be hosted across Causeway Coast and Glens, Antrim and Newtownabbey, and Mid and East Antrim.

The Boys’ Section Cup Finals will take place at The Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday 31 July. The Girls’ Section Cup Finals will be staged at Dixon Park, Ballyclare on Thursday 30 July.

Sam Gamble, Tournament Coordinator, said:

“The Boys’ Minor Section has always been one of the most competitive age groups at the SuperCupNI, but the quality and range of teams confirmed for 2026 makes this one of the strongest line-ups we have seen for a long time.

“We have academies coming from right across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Central America, all with different approaches to player development and different footballing identities. When you add in the strength of the local teams, it creates a really challenging environment for everyone involved.

“That international mix is a big part of what makes the SuperCupNI so special. It gives young players the chance to test themselves against different styles and standards in a professional tournament setting, and we are looking forward to seeing how this group of teams performs next summer.”

The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is supported by Budget Energy alongside partners including Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Sterling Insurance, Creagh Concrete, Uhlsport, Clearer Water, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.tv and BuyTicketApp.

More information is available on the official SuperCupNI website.