The 2026 Mediterranean International Cup (MIC) is returning as one of the world’s top youth football tournaments. Held annually in the picturesque Costa Brava of Spain, MICFootball provides a global stage for young talents to showcase their skills.
The 2026 MIC is the 24th edition of the Mediterranean International Cup. scheduled for April and will feature elite youth teams from clubs and national academies across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. From the U12 to the U19 categories, the competition gathers future stars from all corners of the world to battle it out on Spanish soil.
Atlético Madrid claimed U14, U15, and U16 titles, Valencia CF won the U13 crown, UE Figueres U19 and UE Quart U18 lifted trophies in the 2025 Mediterranean International Cup tournament.
Over the years, the MIC has served as a launchpad for many football superstars. Legends like Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Neymar Jr, and Gerard Piqué all took part in the tournament during their formative years.
Scouts and coaches from top clubs closely follow the tournament, making it a prime opportunity for young players to get noticed.
2026 Mediterranean International Cup tournament: Key details, teams, format, and Coverage
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The tournament is well-known for its fierce competition and top-notch organisation. It offers young footballers a rare chance to experience international-style football early in their careers.
Matches are played across top venues in the Costa Brava, including cities like Palamos, Figueres, and Lloret de Mar.
More than 300 teams from over 40 countries are expected to participate in the 2026 MIC edition. Club academies like FC Barcelona, PSG, Manchester United, and Ajax are likely to send teams.
National youth teams and regional selections will also join, making the tournament even more diverse and exciting.
2026 MIC tournament Overview
The Mediterranean International Cup is not just another tournament. It’s a celebration of the future of football.
Costa Brava’s picturesque coastal towns—from Palamós to nearby Girona—will host nearly 900 matches across 59 grass and artificial pitches.
Teams from over 40 countries are participating, showcasing Europe’s leading academies and top competitors from North America, South America, Asia, and Africa.
For players, it’s a chance to grow. For clubs, it’s a goldmine of talent. And for fans, it’s pure football entertainment.
Key details
- Dates: April 1–6, 2026
- Location: Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
- Age categories: U12–U19 Boys (11v11 & 7v7); U16–U19 Girls (7v7)
- Venues: 59 fields in 43 municipalities (Multiple stadiums across Costa Brava, including Palamós, Figueres, Lloret de Mar, and more)
- Expected teams: 400 clubs from 40+ nations
- Matches: 900 fixtures over six days
Age categories
- Boys 11v11 – born after January 1, 2006-2013 (2025) and January 1, 2007-2014 (2026)
- Boys 7v7 – born after January 1, 2013 (2025) and January 1, 2014 (2026)
- Girls 11v1 – born after January 1, 2009 (2025) and January 1, 2010 (2026)
MICFootball Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
- Dates: June 24–28, 2026
- Location: Cap Cana Sports City, Dominican Republic.
- Competition: The tournament includes 7-a-side matches for boys U12 and 11-a-side matches for boys U13–U16 and girls U16.
- Notable participants: The tournament attracts prestigious academies from around the globe, such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Inter Miami.
How many teams are participating in the 2026 MIC tournaments?
The 2026 MICFootball edition is expected to feature over 300 teams from more than 40 countries, making it one of the largest and most international editions to date.
MIC’s tradition brings together a world-class participant list, featuring academies like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool FC, Inter Miami, and Ajax.
This lineup provides participants with a unique opportunity to experience diverse playing styles and tactical philosophies.
Apart from club teams, national youth sides and regional representative teams will also take part. The event serves as a major scouting hub for European clubs looking for the next big talent.
2026 MICFootball Confirmed teams List
Competition Format
- Group Stage: Round-robin groups of four per category guarantee each team a minimum of three matches.
- Knockout Phase: Top two finishers in each group advance to the Elite bracket, while third and fourth-placed teams vie in Champions, Premier, and Club brackets—ensuring all teams compete until the final day.
- Finals Day: Championship deciders across nine categories culminate in a festive closing ceremony on April 6
Digital and Fan Engagement
Building on the success of MICFootball TV, the 2026 MIC edition will again stream live and on-demand coverage of all finals via AI-driven cameras.
Last year, the platform attracted 400,000 views and gained 24,000 registered users from 89 countries, with 37% of viewers from Spain, 15% from the United States, and 10% from Brazil.
This year’s innovations promise enhanced interactivity and extended real-time analytics to engage scouts, family members, and global fans.
Cultural Experience
Beyond stadiums, teams and supporters can explore Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, unwind on Costa Brava’s golden beaches, and enjoy Catalan gastronomy.
Organised day trips to Montserrat and Girona’s medieval quarter enrich the tournament’s off-field itinerary, embodying MIC’s philosophy of football as both competition and cultural exchange. Source: MIC Football
Why MIC 2026 Matters for Young Players?
As the blueprint for professional development, MIC has launched the careers of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Cesc Fabregas, and Lamine Yamal.
The MIC 2026 edition reinforces this legacy, offering young talents a global stage to showcase their skills, attract scouting attention, and forge international friendships that transcend the pitch.
What are MICFootball tournaments?
MICFootball is an international youth football tournament that attracts some of the world’s top football academies to the Costa Brava.
What is the Aim of the MICFootball?
MICFootball is a global tournament created to bring young players together through their shared love for football.
What about the 2025 Mediterranean International Cup?
The 2025 Mediterranean International Cup (MIC), held from April 16-20 across 43 towns in Girona’s Costa Brava, featured over 1,000 matches and 444 teams, including youth squads from major clubs worldwide.
How much prize money for the 2026 MIC tournament?
The MIC is a major international youth football tournament that prioritizes youth development and competition experience over prize money, focusing more on fostering growth and skill-building than offering professional-level financial rewards.
