Eighth Edition Set to Be the Biggest Yet Following Record-Breaking 2026 Tournament.
Dubai: The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is set for its biggest edition yet in January 2027, with an expanded tournament experience, more participating teams and greater representation from girls as the competition continues to grow year-on-year.
Following a record-breaking 2026 tournament, the eighth edition will offer an enhanced experience both on and off the pitch. Players and coaches will have access to greater opportunities, while the tournament will place increased emphasis on recognising outstanding performances.
Alongside team awards, individual honours including the Goal of the Tournament and Etihad Player of the Tournament will celebrate the competition’s standout players and most memorable moments.
The three-day tournament, taking place from January 8-10, 2027, will bring young footballers from the UAE and around the world to Zayed Sports City, with teams competing across eight age-group categories.
The girls’ competition will expand, with teams competing in the U12, U14 and U16 categories, alongside boys’ competitions at U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 levels.
Beyond competing for tournament trophies, every winning team will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to a City Football Group club. The prize will include the opportunity to train at a professional football facility and watch one of the group’s first teams in action.
Limited places remain for teams from the region and overseas to take part in the eighth edition of the tournament, which has established itself as the region’s “Tournament of Choice” and is Manchester City’s largest international football event.
Away from the pitch, participating teams will have the opportunity to explore some of Abu Dhabi’s leading attractions, including Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The football festival will once again be supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Experience Abu Dhabi, as both organisations look forward to welcoming thousands of families to the UAE capital and showcasing its 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 football tournament, providing a platform for boys and girls to showcase their skills at the region’s premier football facility, Zayed Sports City, while having fun and making new friends in an amazing festival atmosphere.”
“The competition also reflects Manchester City’s commitment to providing opportunities for young people to play and stay active, while helping to grow the sport at grassroots level. With places filling up fast, we encourage as many teams as possible to register and be part of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2027, where players, coaches and parents can create fantastic memories both on and off the pitch.”
Teams can register for the 2027 Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup through the official tournament website.
https://www.mancity.com/city-football-schools/abu-dhabi-cup-2027/.
