Following the success of last year’s edition, the Adidas Cup Lima 2026 returns with an even higher level of competition, reinforcing its place as one of South America’s premier youth football tournaments. From August 3 to 8, eight elite U16 teams from across the continent will compete at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Lima, Peru, in a tournament designed to showcase emerging talent while delivering a world-class sporting experience.

Eight teams, four countries

This year’s tournament brings together four of Peru’s top youth teams alongside four renowned international clubs. Alianza Lima, Sporting Cristal, Universitario, and the FPF Regional Selection will represent the host nation, while Boca Juniors (Argentina), Flamengo (Brazil), Colo-Colo (Chile), and Millonarios (Colombia) add even more international prestige to the competition.

After lifting the trophy in 2025, Sporting Cristal enters the tournament looking to defend its title against one of the strongest fields assembled in the event’s history. Meanwhile, the arrival of Boca Juniors, Flamengo, and Colo-Colo marks an exciting new chapter for the competition, further strengthening its international profile.

Format and competition structure

The tournament will once again follow a competitive format featuring two groups of four teams, with the top two teams advancing to the Gold Cup semifinals, while the remaining teams compete for the Silver Cup, ensuring meaningful competition throughout the week.

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New for 2026: player welfare enhancements

Several important enhancements have also been introduced for the 2026 edition. For the first time, every match will be played on natural grass, providing a professional playing environment from the opening fixture through the finals. In addition, a hydration break will be implemented during the second half of every match, reflecting the tournament’s continued commitment to player welfare.

That commitment extends beyond the field. Players will have access to a dedicated wellness and cryotherapy recovery area, helping athletes recover between matches and perform at their highest level throughout the competition.

A launchpad for future professionals

The Adidas Cup continues to demonstrate its role as a platform for developing future professionals. One of last year’s standout performers, Geray Motta, finished as the tournament’s top scorer before making his professional debut with Alianza Lima this season, highlighting the competition’s growing reputation as a showcase for the region’s next generation of talent.

Powered by Sofascore technology

Technology remains a cornerstone of the tournament experience. Torneo by Sofascore once again powers the event’s digital management, providing organizers, coaches, players, families, and fans with live results, standings, schedules, statistics, and tournament updates in real time. The competition will also continue using Wyscout, allowing player highlights and performances to be analyzed by clubs and scouts.

Adding even greater visibility, the entire tournament will be available through television and streaming broadcasts, allowing supporters and football professionals across the region to follow every match.

Looking ahead

As Adidas Cup Lima continues to grow year after year, the tournament further establishes itself as a benchmark for youth football in South America: combining elite competition, player development, technological innovation, and professional organization into an experience worthy of the continent’s brightest young talents.

Never miss a score, never miss a match, never miss the numbers that tell the real story.

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