- Eighth edition set to be the biggest yet, building on a record-breaking 2026 tournament with an enhanced experience for players, coaches and families.
- An increased number of girls’ teams will compete across the U12, U14 and U16 categories, alongside boys’ events at U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16.
- Limited places remain for the three-day festival of football at Zayed Sports City from 8–10 January 2027.
Abu Dhabi, 2 September 2026: Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is preparing for its biggest-ever edition in January 2027, with an expanded tournament experience, increased participation and more girls’ teams set to take part as the competition continues to grow year-on-year.
Building on a record-breaking 2026 tournament, the eighth edition will also deliver an enhanced experience on and off the pitch, with improved playing experiences for players and coaches and an increased focus on recognising standout performances. Alongside team prizes, individual honours will include Goal of the Tournament and the Etihad Player of the Tournament, celebrating the competition’s most impressive players and moments.
The three-day tournament from 8-10 January 2027 will welcome young footballers from the UAE and around the world to Zayed Sports City, competing across eight age-group categories. An increased number of girls’ teams will compete across the U12, U14 and U16 categories, alongside boys’ competitions at U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 level.
As well as players bidding to get their hands on the winning trophies, all of the winning teams will be entered into a prize draw for a chance 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 a City Football Group first team in action.
Limited places remain for teams in the region and abroad to be part of the eighth edition, which has established itself as the region’s Tournament of Choice and is Manchester City’s largest international football event globally.
As well as players showcasing their skills on the pitch, teams will also have the opportunity to visit and enjoy the sights of landmark attractions in Abu Dhabi including Yas Waterworld, Sea World Abu Dhabi, Warner Brothers and adihex-2026/”>Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The football festival will once again be supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Experience Abu Dhabi, who both are excited to once more welcome thousands of families to the capital city of the UAE and share their culture and sporting excellence.
Simon Hewitt, Tournament Director, and Director of Football Operations MENA, said: “The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is the Middle East’s largest grassroots tournament in the region, providing a platform for boys and girls to not only showcase their skills at the region’s premier football facility – Zayed Sports City but also have fun and make new friends in what will be an amazing festival atmosphere.
“The competition also aligns with Manchester City’s commitment of providing opportunities for young people to play and get active while also helping grow the sport at grassroots level. With places filling up fast, we encourage as many teams as possible to not miss out and be part of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2027 where players, coaches and parents can create fantastic memories on and off the pitch.”