Over 3,500 players take centre stage in the manchester city abu dhabi cup, the region's largest youth football tournament

• The record-breaking seventh edition attracted more than 8,000 people across three days
• U16 Boys Cup winners Oman’s Al Seeb win a trip to a City Football Group club while U14 Girls Plate winners, Singapore’s Resistencia, earn a three-day coaching clinic from City Football Schools coaches following lucky draw.

Abu Dhabi, January 14, 2026: The record-breaking Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup wrapped up a thrilling seventh edition as more than 3,500 young boys and girls from across the region and internationally showcased their talent over three days at Zayed Sports City.

The region’s biggest annual youth football tournament welcomed more than 244 teams from 18 countries, including professional clubs, Al Jazira, Baniyas, Al Wahda, Al Ain, Melbourne City, and Manchester City, who competed across eight age categories.

With five age groups for boys, and three for girls, 8,000 spectators were treated to a thrilling weekend of competitive football. The eight Cup competition winners were part of a draw to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to a City Football Group club, where they will train, and watch a first-team in action.

Boys’ U16s winners Al Seeb were the lucky team drawn from the hat and can now look forward to planning their trip. It was a repeat success for the team from Oman, who won the same age group last year - and were the winners of a trip to Manchester, where they trained at the Etihad Campus and watched the men’s first team play.

Additionally, following a lucky draw, the U14 Girls Plate winners - Singapore’s Resistencia FC - will receive a three-day football clinic from City Football Schools coaches.

For the first time, the tournament expanded to three days to accommodate the increasing demand from teams from around the world, and delivered 2,562 goals in 1,435 matches.

Another expansion for this edition: 44 girls’ teams across three age groups showcased the steady pace at which the girls’ game is growing in the UAE, wider Middle East region, and globally.

Nedum Onuoha, former Manchester City defender and Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup Ambassador, was impressed by what he saw: “It was a fantastic three days at the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2026. So many young boys and girls from around the world enjoyed this growing youth football platform. Beyond the results, the competitors played with smiles, expressing themselves, supporting one another, and creating memories that will stay with them long after the final whistle.

“The standard of football was exceptionally high. As a former professional, I understand the importance of grassroots football. Tournaments like the Abu Dhabi Cup play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of footballers, providing young players with valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and test themselves in a competitive environment."

Off the pitch, visitors were not short of options for entertainment. The Tournament City Village was a busy hub with activations, games, and activities.

The e& Gaming Zone returned after a hugely popular debut in 2025. The purpose-built arena provided players with the opportunity to test their FC26 skills and compete against friends and fellow competitors.

Elsewhere, PUMA showcased the very latest in football boot technology and their range of football apparel, while Aldar showcased Fahid Island, and Noon kept fans entertained with a host of games and giveaways.

Players, coaches, and families also got the chance to watch Manchester City’s 10-1 victory against Exeter City in the FA Cup third-round clash.

Simon Hewitt, Head of Football Operations MENA, City Football Group and Tournament Director of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup, said: “The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2026 once again illustrated how football unites people from all over the world. Young people of varying ages and nationalities came together, had fun, learned about different cultures, and played some great football.

“It was a vibrant atmosphere where more than 8,000 people packed out Zayed Sports City, a testament to how this tournament has grown over seven editions. The challenge is now to evolve even further for 2027 - and that process starts now.”