Competition

The Tournament

Elite competition across four age groups, world-class facilities, and a format designed to give every team the best possible tournament experience.

How To Join

Participation Categories

Two simple ways to take part — choose the option that suits your team, then register under that category.

Category A

Hotel Accommodation

Hotel booked through Youth Cup Dubai. All participants, players and leaders, pay the hotel cost and the participation fee, which includes breakfast. Lunch and dinner vouchers can be purchased separately via your team account.

For pricing and registration details, click here
Category B

Own Accommodation

Teams arranging their own accommodation. All participants, players and leaders, pay the participation fee. Lunch and dinner vouchers can be purchased separately via your team account.

For pricing and registration details, click here
Who may participate?
All clubs that are members of their FIFA-affiliated national association are welcome to participate in Youth Cup Dubai. In countries where football is organised through schools, teams affiliated with their school football association are also welcome. The tournament begins with group play — teams are divided into groups of four or five and play each other once. The top two teams in each group qualify for the championship play-off, with the remaining teams qualifying for the consolation play-off. The tournament is played under FIFA Laws of the Game.
Number of teams in the tournament
In recent years we have not been able to accept all teams that wish to participate. Teams that have registered and paid the registration fee are given priority — registration counts from the date we receive the registration fee. Keep this in mind: categories tend to fill up well ahead of the final deadline.
When does registration open?
Registration for Youth Cup Dubai 2027 opens September 22nd, 2026.
Which is the last date to register?
The deadline for registration is March 10th, 2027. Teams that have registered and paid their registration fee first will be given priority once we reach the maximum number of teams in each category (A and B).
View Packages & Register
Who Can Compete

Age Categories

Youth Cup Dubai is open to six age groups. Age is calculated as of January 1, 2027.

U-8
Born 2019 or later
Match Duration2 × 20 min
Squad Size8–12 players
Pitch Format5v5
Min. Matches3 guaranteed
U-10
Born 2017 or later
Match Duration2 × 25 min
Squad Size10–14 players
Pitch Format7v7
Min. Matches3 guaranteed
U-12
Born 2015 or later
Match Duration2 × 25 min
Squad Size15–18 players
Pitch Format9v9
Min. Matches3 guaranteed
U-14
Born 2013 or later
Match Duration2 × 30 min
Squad Size15–20 players
Pitch Format11v11
Min. Matches3 guaranteed
U-16
Born 2011 or later
Match Duration2 × 35 min
Squad Size16–22 players
Pitch Format11v11
Min. Matches4 guaranteed
U-18
Born 2009 or later
Match Duration2 × 40 min
Squad Size18–25 players
Pitch Format11v11
Min. Matches4 guaranteed
How It Works

Tournament Format

A fair and exciting structure that guarantees every team multiple matches and a real chance of glory.

1

Group Stage

Teams are divided into groups of 4–6. Each team plays every other team in their group. Points: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.

2

Round of 16 / Quarter-Finals

The top 2 teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. U-18 and U-16 play Round of 16; U-14 and U-12 proceed directly to Quarter-Finals.

3

Semi-Finals

The four best teams in each category meet in the semi-finals. Matches are played in a single day at the main stadium.

4

Finals & 3rd Place

The grand finale — all four finals are played on April 11, 2027 in front of a packed crowd. A closing ceremony and trophy presentation follows each match.

Tournament Rules

  • → All players must be registered and verified before the tournament. No player changes after registration deadline.
  • → FIFA Laws of the Game apply. Certified referees officiate all matches.
  • → In knockout stages, draws go to penalty shootout (no extra time for U-12 and U-14).
  • → Teams must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled kick-off. Failure to appear results in a forfeit.
  • → Fair Play is actively monitored. Teams with outstanding fair play records receive special awards.
April 2027

Tournament Schedule

Nine action-packed days in Dubai. Detailed match schedules will be released after the registration deadline.

Fri Apr 3

Opening Ceremony & Group Stage Begins

Welcome reception, official opening ceremony, and first group stage matches across all age categories.

Sat Apr 4

Group Stage — Day 2

Full day of group stage matches. All pitches in action from 08:00–18:00.

Sun Apr 5

Group Stage — Day 3

Final group stage matches. Teams complete their group campaign.

Mon Apr 6

Rest & Cultural Day

No matches scheduled. Teams enjoy the Dubai cultural programme — desert safari, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek tours.

Tue Apr 7

Round of 16 (U-16 & U-18)

Knockout rounds begin for the older age categories.

Wed Apr 8

Quarter-Finals — All Categories

Quarter-final matches across all four age groups.

Thu Apr 9

Rest & Training Day

Semi-finalist preparation. Free training sessions, coaching clinics, and a player development day.

Fri Apr 10

Semi-Finals — All Categories

The four semi-final matches decide who advances to the grand finals.

Sat Apr 11

Final Day — All Finals + Closing Ceremony

The four finals are played back-to-back, culminating in a spectacular closing ceremony and trophy presentation. An unforgettable end to an unforgettable journey.