This Bradenton soccer tournament showcases future pros. Here’s what to know
A high-profile international youth soccer tournament coming to Bradenton is set to be the largest and most competitive in its history.
Major League Soccer and MLS NEXT announced that the 2026 Generation adidas Cup is coming to IMG Academy on Friday, with the tournament concluding April 4, according to a news release.
A total of 88 teams representing 14 different countries and four continents are playing the tournament.
FC Bayern and FC Barcelona are two powerhouse clubs that will have teams competing against MLS academies, the release said.
“The continued evolution of Generation adidas Cup highlights the strength and ambition of MLS’ player development pathway,” said Ali Curtis, President of MLS NEXT Pro and MLS Sporting Development Executive Vice President, in a news release. “This tournament exemplifies the shared commitment of MLS and adidas to delivering world-class platform for the game’s top emerging talent to compete on a global stage.”
What age groups and teams are playing?
The tournament has U16 and U15 age divisions for the 80 boys teams scheduled to compete, while the girls division was expanded to include eight teams.
The girls division made its debut at the 2025 tournament.
Some girls division teams include FC Bayern, Real Madrid C.F., Club America and an all-star team from Japan’s W.E. League.
Awards are handed out at the tournament’s conclusion for the most valuable player, top scorer, top defensive player, the Best XI team and Rising XI team.
Asia, Europe, North America and South America clubs are fielding teams in the tournament.
Who are some top former tournament players?
Some past players of the event include 2022 FIFA World Cup winners Julian Alvarez, who plays for Atletico Madrid, and Enzo Fernandez, who plays for Chelsea; Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki and Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha.
The tournament begins in the group stage, with 10 groups of four teams. The top 16 teams advance to a knockout bracket. The 10 group winners automatically earn a knockout stage berth, while the top six group runner-ups advance.
The next-best 16 teams enter a consolation bracket.
Matches are 60 minutes over two 30-minute halves, though championship matches in both age groups are extended to 70 minutes.
Twenty of the tournament matches, including the U16, U15 and girls championship matches, will air live on the MLS YouTube channel.
For more information, visit www.MLSSoccer.com.
