FC Cincinnati Academy Set to Compete in Prestigious 2026 Generation adidas Cup
The FC Cincinnati Academy will participate in the 2026 Generation adidas Cup (GA Cup), a major youth soccer tournament, from March 27-April 4 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. This marks the sixth consecutive year the Orange and Blue will compete in the event.
A Global Stage for Rising Stars
The GA Cup is renowned for attracting top youth talent from across the globe. This year’s competition features 29 MLS academies, alongside three non-affiliated MLS academies – Cedar Stars Academy, Chicago Sockers FC, and CT United FC. A total of 32 U.S.-based clubs will participate.
Adding to the international flavor, 17 teams representing 14 countries will join the competition. Notable international youth sides include Boca Juniors (Argentina), Club América (Mexico), FC Barcelona (Spain), FC Bayern Munich (Germany), and PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands).
Tournament Format and Advancement
Forty teams will compete in each of the U15 and U16 age groups, divided into 10 groups of four. The top 16 teams – the 10 group winners and the top six second-place finishers – will advance to a single-elimination championship bracket. An additional 16 teams will enter a consolation bracket, ensuring all participants receive competitive matches.
All teams are guaranteed a minimum of six 60-minute matches (two 30-minute halves). Championship matches will be extended to 70 minutes, and all tied contests will be decided by a penalty kick shootout.
FC Cincinnati Academy’s Group Stage Schedule
The FC Cincinnati U15 team is drawn into Group I with CT United FC, Nashville SC, and Seongnam FC (South Korea). The U16 squad will compete in Group J against FC Dallas, Nagoya Grampus (Japan), and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
U15s
- Friday, March 27 – 9 a.m. ET vs. CT United FC
- Saturday, March 28 – vs. Nashville SC
- Sunday, March 29 – vs. Seongnam FC
U16s
- Friday, March 27 – 4:30 p.m. ET vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Saturday, March 28 – 4:30 p.m. ET vs. FC Dallas
- Sunday, March 29 – 5 p.m. ET vs. Nagoya Grampus
Broadcast Information
Twenty GA Cup games, including the championship matches in both age groups, will be streamed live on the MLS YouTube page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Generation adidas Cup?
It’s one of the largest and most prestigious youth soccer competitions in the world, featuring top academy teams from MLS and international clubs.
Where is the 2026 GA Cup being held?
The tournament will take place at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
How many teams are participating in the 2026 GA Cup?
A total of 40 teams compete in each age group (U15 and U16).
Where can I watch the games?
Twenty games, including the championships, will be streamed live on the MLS YouTube page.
