Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2026 Concludes with Record Participation and Goals

The seventh edition of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup concluded with a spectacular three-day event at Zayed Sports City, attracting more than 3,500 young footballers from around the world.

The tournament, the region’s largest annual youth football competition, featured 244 teams from 18 countries, including professional clubs such as Al Jazira, Baniyas, Al Wahda, Al Ain, Melbourne City, and Manchester City. Players competed across eight age categories, with five for boys and three for girls, drawing an audience of 8,000 spectators.

Winners of the eight Cup competitions were entered into a special draw for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a trip to a City Football Group club to train and watch a first-team match. The Boys’ U16 champions, Al Seeb from Oman, were the lucky winners. This marks their second consecutive victory in the U16 category, having previously enjoyed a trip to Manchester to train at the Etihad Campus and watch the men’s first team play.

In addition, the U14 Girls Plate winners, Singapore’s Resistencia FC, were selected in a draw to receive a three-day football clinic from City Football Schools coaches.

This year, the tournament expanded to three days to accommodate growing international participation. Across 1,435 matches, players scored a total of 2,562 goals. The girls’ game also saw significant growth, with 44 teams competing across three age groups, highlighting the increasing popularity of women’s football in the UAE, the Middle East, and globally.

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, ambassador for the tournament, praised the event: “It was a fantastic three days. The young players expressed themselves, supported one another, and created memories that will stay with them long after the final whistle. Tournaments like this are vital for nurturing the next generation of footballers.”

Off the pitch, fans enjoyed a range of activities at the Tournament City Village. The e& Gaming Zone returned after its successful debut in 2025, offering players the chance to compete in FC26 games. PUMA showcased the latest football boots and apparel, Aldar promoted Fahid Island, and Noon kept visitors entertained with games and giveaways.

The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2026 proved to be a celebration of youth football, sportsmanship, and community, setting new records and inspiring young players from across the globe.