RICHMOND, Va. (February 27, 2026) - The ECNL is thrilled to announce the first five international clubs competing in the first ever ECNL International IberCup, which will be held Labor Day weekend at WRAL Soccer Park in Raleigh, NC USA.
Professional clubs AC Milan (Italy), Benfica (Portugal), Gremio (Brazil), Manchester United (England), and Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan) will all send teams to the 2026 ECNL International IberCup. The five clubs are some of the most notable and prestigious in world football, collectively winning more than 85 professional league titles and many other prestigious trophies in their history, including 12 UEFA Champions League titles and three Copa Libertadores titles.
"We are thrilled to welcome these incredibly storied clubs to the ECNL International IberCup for unbelievable competition, and can't wait to see players and coaches from all over the globe connect and build relationships through sport," said ECNL President Christian Lavers. "These clubs, from 3 different continents, are the first of many international clubs from both professional and amateur soccer that will make this one of the most unique events in the history of American youth soccer."
"We are proud to welcome this first wave of elite academy clubs from multiple continents, giving American players the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest youth academies in the world — without ever leaving the country," added IberCup President Filipe Rodrigues. "This initiative represents far more than a tournament. It marks the creation of a true global competitive bridge, connecting U.S. youth soccer clubs and the ECNL ecosystem with IberCup's international network of clubs, professional academies, and our advanced global development platform."
The ECNL International IberCup will provide 7v7 mini-game competition at both the U11 and U12 boys age groups. Teams will be guaranteed five games over the four-day event, with every team competing for a tournament championship through a combination of group and knockout play.
Nearly 200 U11 and U12 teams from Europe, South America, Asia, and the United States will play in the four-day tournament providing unique competitive, developmental, and cultural opportunities for players, teams, coaches, and clubs.
More clubs participating in the ECNL International IberCup will be announced in the coming weeks.
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About the IberCup:
The IberCup is one of the most recognized and respected youth soccer tournaments in the world. Since 2010, it has hosted thousands of teams from over 120 countries, offering a platform where young players compete, develop, and connect through the game. With tournaments held across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, Ibercup combines international exposure with professional-level organization, making it a key reference point in global youth soccer.
The tournament consistently attracts youth academies from some of the most renowned clubs in international soccer, providing a unique opportunity for young players to compete at the highest level of their age group and showcase their talent to the world. This global mix of talent and cultures reflects IberCup's commitment to excellence, inclusion, and meaningful player development, while reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and influential name in youth soccer.
About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation's leading youth soccer development platform for America's top soccer players. The ECNL mission to provide the best youth sports experience in the world drives constant innovations in competitions and experiences for players, parents, families, coaches, referees, and partners. The ECNL has questioned convention and challenged the status quo of youth sport since 2009, pushing boundaries and striving for unmatched excellence. Together with its clubs and club leaders, the ECNL creates unforgettable memories and supports the development of youth players into college stars, professionals, world champions, and leaders.
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