SuperCupNI draw sets stage for global summer showdown as Manchester Utd, Liverpool and Rangers discover opponents
- Love Ballymena
- 33 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Charlotte Havern are pictured alongside Ballymena United Minor Section players Curtis McKeown and Isaac Dixon, with former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright and Karl Bradley from Budget Energy at the official draw for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
The stage is set for one of Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting events of the summer, after the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw paired local sides with some of the world’s most recognisable football clubs — in a landmark year that sees the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections brought together for the first time.
More than 150 guests gathered at Theatre at The Mill in Newtownabbey as former Northern Ireland international and current Under-21 manager Tommy Wright conducted the draw, unveiling a tournament line-up that will see 60 elite teams from across Europe, North America, Asia and beyond compete from Sunday 26th July to Friday 31st July 2026.
Historic first as Boys’ and Girls’ tournaments unite
This year’s draw marks a significant shift in the evolution of the competition, with both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections combined into a single event for the first time in its 43-year history.
The move reflects the rapid growth of the girls’ game and signals a broader ambition to elevate the tournament’s international standing while creating a unified platform for emerging talent.
Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Charlotte Havern are pictured alongside Ballymena United Minor Section players Curtis McKeown and Isaac Dixon, with Sparky the Budget Energy mascot, former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright, and Karl Bradley from Budget Energy at the official draw for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
Tournament Coordinator Sam Gamble described the development as a defining moment.
“This year marks a historic first for the tournament, with both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections drawn together in one event. That reflects the continued growth of the competition and the rising profile of the girls’ game on the international stage,” he said.
Heavyweight clashes headline Boys’ Premier Section
The Boys’ Premier Section has already delivered standout fixtures, with seven-time champions Manchester United drawn into Group D alongside County Antrim, Intercontinental FA and Rangers as they chase their first title since 2014.
Reigning champions Southampton begin their defence in Group C against County Londonderry, Iconz FC and Tigres UANL, following last year’s final victory over Manchester United.
Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Ballymena United Minor Section player Isaac Dixon, with former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright at the official draw for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
There is added intrigue in Group B, where Sunderland return to the tournament after a 27-year absence. They will face County Armagh, County Fermanagh and Kamimura Gakuen.
Group A sees County Tyrone and County Down joined by Right to Dream and Derby County FC.
Junior Section promises high-quality encounters
The Boys’ Junior Section features a strong mix of elite academies and local county sides, with Celtic aiming to build on last year’s semi-final run after being placed in Group B alongside County Tyrone, County Antrim and Blackburn Rovers.
Premier League representation remains strong across the section. Leeds United have been drawn in Group A with County Down, County Armagh and Helsingor FC.
Tottenham Hotspur will face County Londonderry, Chicago City and Plymouth Argyle in Group D, while West Ham United meet County Fermanagh, St Patrick’s Athletic and Charlton Athletic in Group C.
Minor Section highlights global reach
Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Ballymena United Minor Section player Isaac Dixon, with former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright at the official draw for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
The Boys’ Minor Section underlines the tournament’s international appeal.
Defending champions Cliftonville, who edged Linfield in last year’s final, will compete in Group C against Maiden City, Ross County and Al Jazira FC as they attempt to retain their title.
Group D features Linfield, Newell FC, Blackburn Rovers and Surf Select, while Group A includes Ballymena United, Rosario YFC, Helsingor FC and Atlas FC — placing local interest firmly at the centre of the competition.
Danish newcomers Helsingør FC will also face Rosario YFC, Ballymena United and Atlas FC in Group A, adding further international flavour.
Girls’ Premier Section delivers historic debut for Liverpool
The Girls’ Premier Section brings a major milestone, with Liverpool making their debut in the tournament. They have been drawn in Group A alongside Manchester United, IL Heming and Desert Empire, creating one of the most anticipated group line-ups of the competition.
Defending champions Shamrock Rovers begin their campaign in Group B, where they will face Aston Villa, Northern Ireland and Chicago City.
Title defence and strong competition in Girls’ Junior Section
Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Ballymena United Minor Section player Isaac Dixon are pictured with former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright at the official draw for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI. Also pictured are Karl Bradley from Budget Energy, Sparky the Budget Energy mascot, Diarmaid Dallat and Fergal McTague of Creagh Concrete, Ollie Booth from KLIR, and Brian Hutchinson and Dave Sanderson from Uhlsport.
In the Girls’ Junior Section, Manchester United will defend their title against Glentoran, Linfield and Kilmarnock in Group A.
Group B sees Surf Select (USA) take on Chicago City, Crusaders and Cliftonville in what promises to be another competitive grouping.
Local pride and international spotlight
The tournament continues to offer Northern Ireland’s county teams and leading clubs a rare opportunity to test themselves against world-class academies on home soil.
Managing Director at Budget Energy, Sean O’Loughlin, said the draw had intensified anticipation ahead of the summer.
“The draw has added real momentum ahead of this summer’s tournament, with some outstanding match-ups already taking shape across both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections,” he said.
“What sets the tournament apart is the opportunity it gives local players to test themselves against world-class opposition on home soil, while also showcasing Northern Ireland as a first-class host for international teams.”
Host councils highlight importance of global event
The significance of the event was also underlined by local civic leaders.
Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Ballymena United Minor Section player Isaac Dixon are pictured with former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright at the official draw for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI. Also pictured are Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey; Councillor Julie Gilmour, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey; Councillor Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens; and Matt McDowell and Councillor Matthew Warwick from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said:
“Bringing the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections together for the first time marks an important moment in the continued growth of this world-renowned tournament.”
She added that the borough was proud to play a central role in hosting the event and looked forward to welcoming teams this summer.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, described the tournament as a highlight of the international youth football calendar.
“I particularly welcome the historic inclusion of both Boys’ and Girls’ Sections being drawn together for the first time, reflecting the continued progress of the game and growing opportunities for young people in sport,” he said.
Global line-up backed by major partners
The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is supported by headline partner Budget Energy, alongside 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, IDS Chartered Accountants, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.tv and BuyTicketApp.
With the draw complete and fixtures taking shape, organisers say the countdown is now firmly underway for what is expected to be another high-profile chapter in the tournament’s history.
Further information is available at www.supercupni.com.
Full 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw
Boys’ Draw
Minor Section
Group A
Rosario YFC
Ballymena United
Helsingor FC
Atlas FC
Group B
Glenavon FC
Portadown FC
Kilmarnock FC
Chicago City
Group C
Cliftonville FC
Maiden City FC
Ross County
Al Jazira FC
Group D
Linfield
Newell FC
Blackburn Rovers
Surf Select
Junior Section
Group A
County Down
County Armagh
Helsingor FC
Leeds United
Group B
County Antrim
County Tyrone
Celtic FC
Blackburn Rovers
Group C
County Fermanagh
St Patrick’s Athletic
Charlton Athletic
West Ham United
Group D
County Londonderry
Chicago City
Plymouth Argyle
Tottenham Hotspur
Premier Section
Group A
County Tyrone
County Down
Right to Dream
Derby County FC
Group B
County Armagh
County Fermanagh
Kamimura Gakuen
Sunderland AFC
Group C
County Londonderry
Iconz FC
Tigres UANL
Southampton FC
Group D
County Antrim
Intercontinental FA
Rangers FC
Manchester United
Girls’ Draw
Junior Section
Group A
Glentoran FC
Linfield FC
Kilmarnock FC
Manchester United
Group B
Surf Select
Chicago City
Crusaders FC
Cliftonville FC
Premier Section
Group A
Liverpool
Manchester United
IL Heming
Desert Empire
Group B
Aston Villa
Northern Ireland
Shamrock Rovers
Chicago City
At a glance
2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI runs from 26–31 July
60 teams from Europe, North America, Asia and beyond will compete
First-ever combined Boys’ and Girls’ tournament draw
Manchester United face Rangers and County Antrim in Premier Section
Sunderland return after 27-year absence
Liverpool make historic debut in Girls’ Premier Section
Defending champions include Southampton (Boys’ Premier) and Shamrock Rovers (Girls’ Premier)
Event draw held at Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey
More than 150 guests attended official draw
Full details available at www.supercupni.com