International Youth Football Tournament, MENA Cup 2025, to be held in Dubai, with participation of 44 teams from around the globe, showcasing their skills on a grand scale.
MENA Cup 2025: A Cross-Cultural Youth Football Tournament in Dubai
The MENA Cup 2025, also known as the Mina Cup, is set to be an exciting youth football tournament taking place at the Al Wasl Indoor Stadium in Dubai. The event, scheduled to take place from at least June 13, 2025, will bring together young football enthusiasts from various corners of the globe.
The tournament, focused on fostering developmental growth and sportsmanship among youth players, will feature the IJF Academy U12 team competing in futsal. However, the full list of international youth football academies participating in the MENA Cup 2025 has not been fully disclosed yet.
The MENA Cup is a significant event in the region, attracting attention from various international clubs. High-profile clubs such as Norwich City (England), Melbourne City (Australia), Corinthians (Brazil), Columbus Crew (USA), and Rangers (Scotland) are among those confirmed to participate.
Lucas Pimenta, a UAE national team player and Al Wahda defender, has been appointed as the local ambassador for the MENA Cup. The tournament is organised by CBF Performance and supported by the Dubai Sports Council.
The MENA Cup 2025 promises to be a dynamic, cross-cultural environment, with 22 teams from Europe, Africa, India, and the Americas challenging 22 UAE-based teams. Entry to matches is free to the public, and there will be on-site fan activities and family-friendly events.
The tournament will feature over 800 young players, aged 12 to 16, competing in 120 matches across five age categories. The Under-15 group will feature Corinthians (Brazil), Columbus Crew (USA), and top regional sides. Meanwhile, the Under-14 group includes teams from Australia, Zambia, Northern Ireland, and UAE.
The Under-16 group is headlined by Manchester City Academy and Kavuy Celtic (Zambia), while the Under-13 group features Barcelona Academy, Melbourne City, and Manchester City Academy. The Under-12 group includes teams from UAE, Scotland, England, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kazakhstan.
The official group draws for all age categories have been announced, and the tournament is set to be streamed live on the MENA Cup YouTube channel. Chris Brown, Founder of the MENA Cup, expressed his excitement for the event. The MENA Cup 2025 is expected to attract over 1,000 attendees, making it a key driver of sports tourism in the region.
Teddy Sheringham continues as the international ambassador for the MENA Cup, adding to the prestige of the event. Ahmed Salem Al Mahri, Director of Sports Talent Development at Dubai Sports Council, spoke at the tournament launch press conference.
For those interested in the full list of participating international academies, it is recommended to consult official MENA Cup or Mina Cup event organisers or updated announcements beyond the current public posts available.
- The MENA Cup 2025 aims to foster development among youth players and promote sportsmanship, extending beyond football to include a variety of family-friendly events.
- A significant number of international youth football academies from countries such as England, Australia, Brazil, USA, and Scotland are reportedly participating in the MENA Cup 2025.
- The tournament is expected to create a dynamic, cross-cultural environment, bringing together 22 teams from various continents including Europe, Africa, India, and the Americas.
- As part of the efforts to drive sports tourism in the region, the MENA Cup 2025 is anticipated to attract over 1,000 attendees and create a key opportunity for international clubs to scout potential talent.
