The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup will return in 2027, following another record-breaking edition last month, and registrations are now open.
From January 8-10,
2027, teams from across the world will gather in the UAE capital to contest the
eighth edition of the region’s Tournament of Choice.
The competition’s
three-day format returns after a hugely successful expansion this year that saw
more than 8,000 people attend Zayed Sports City across a weekend that welcomed
3,500 local, regional, and international players.
In total, 244 teams
from Under-8s to Under-16s competed in the 2026 edition, 86 of these were
international, spanning 18 countries, 4 continents, with a record-breaking 44
teams in the girls’ categories.
Off the pitch, players
and spectators were able to enjoy the vibrant City Village that played host to
entertainment and activations supported by the Club’s partners.
This included the
e& Gaming Zone, Puma pop-up and Aldar’s showcase of Fahid Island, as well
as performances from a DJ and visits from special guests, including tournament
ambassador and Manchester City legend Nedum Onuoha, and event host FG.
With the 2027 dates
confirmed, teams are now being invited to register to compete in the region’s
biggest football tournament.
Teams will compete
with the aim of winning the Abu Dhabi Cup, and individual age-group winners
will also be entered into a prize draw for their team to win a trip of a
lifetime to a City Football Group club, where they will have the opportunity to
train at a professional facility and watch the first team in action.
Simon Hewitt,
Tournament Director, and Director of Football Operations MENA, said: “The 2026
edition of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup was a landmark event for us. It
was the first time we had expanded the tournament to three days, and the
reaction to that decision was incredible. Players were able to spend more time
on the pitch, take in the incredible atmosphere of the City Village, and enjoy
the sights and attractions of Abu Dhabi.
“We might only be a
month removed from that tournament, but the hard work in preparing for 2027
starts now. Already, teams are asking when they can register, and we expect
huge competition for places from all over the world.
“Every year, it is our
job to innovate and develop the tournament creating an environment of the
highest standards on and off the pitch - but one that is focused on providing a
fun and memorable the experience for players, teams their families. We look forward
to welcoming new and returning faces back next year.”
The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup has become a premier international youth tournament since its inception in 2017. -TradeArabia News Service