ECNL:Five Global Powerhouses Headline First-Ever ECNL International IberCup in North Carolina
- Jonathan Turner
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 27, 2026) – The ECNL has officially announced the first five international professional clubs set to compete in the inaugural ECNL International IberCup, taking place Labor Day Weekend at WRAL Soccer Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Global giants AC Milan (Italy), Benfica (Portugal), Grêmio (Brazil), Manchester United (England), and Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan) will each send academy teams to compete in the 2026 event. Collectively, these historic clubs have captured more than 85 professional league titles, along with 12 UEFA Champions League trophies and three Copa Libertadores championships.
“We are thrilled to welcome these incredibly storied clubs to the ECNL International IberCup for unbelievable competition,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers. “We can’t wait to see players and coaches from around the globe connect and build relationships through sport. These clubs, from three different continents, are the first of many international organizations — both professional and amateur — that will make this one of the most unique events in American youth soccer history.”
IberCup President Filipe Rodrigues emphasized the event’s global impact.
“We are proud to welcome this first wave of elite academy clubs from multiple continents, giving American players the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest youth academies in the world — without ever leaving the country,” Rodrigues said. “This initiative represents far more than a tournament. It marks the creation of a true global competitive bridge, connecting U.S. youth soccer clubs and the ECNL ecosystem with IberCup’s international network of clubs, professional academies, and advanced global development platform.”
The ECNL International IberCup will feature 7v7 mini-game competition in the U11 and U12 boys age groups. Each team is guaranteed five matches over the four-day event, with a tournament championship determined through a combination of group play and knockout rounds.
Nearly 200 U11 and U12 teams from Europe, South America, Asia, and across the United States are expected to compete, creating a dynamic environment that blends high-level competition with meaningful developmental and cultural experiences for players, coaches, and clubs.
Additional participating clubs will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the IberCup
The IberCup is one of the most recognized youth soccer tournaments in the world. Since 2010, it has hosted thousands of teams from more than 120 countries, providing a global platform for young players to compete, develop, and connect through the game. With tournaments held throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia, IberCup delivers international exposure alongside professional-level organization.
The event regularly attracts academies from some of the most prestigious clubs in global soccer, offering players the opportunity to compete at the highest level within their age group. The diverse mix of talent and cultures reflects IberCup’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, and meaningful player development.
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