Dubai to Host MENA Cup: 44 Teams Compete in Football Tournament

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai is all set to host the MENA Cup 2025, one of the biggest youth football tournaments in the region. Organized by CBF Performance and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, this exciting tournament is happening for the third year in a row. It will bring together more than 800 young football players from 44 teams across 12 different countries and six continents. Some of the well-known teams participating include Norwich City (England), Melbourne City (Australia), Corinthians (Brazil), Columbus Crew (USA), Rangers (Scotland), and Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia).

Tournament Details

The matches will take place at Jebel Ali Golf & Shooting Club from April 9 to 14, 2025. The tournament was officially announced in a press conference held at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters. The event was attended by Ahmed Salem Al Mahri (Director of Sports Talent Development at Dubai Sports Council), Chris Brown (Founder of MENA Cup), and Luke Plumb (from Jebel Ali Golf & Shooting Club).

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A Platform for Young Talent

Ahmed Salem Al Mahri shared that Dubai Sports Council is proud to support the MENA Cup as it helps young football players develop their skills. He mentioned that the tournament is an excellent example of teamwork between the public and private sectors to promote sports and discover future football stars.

He also spoke about the tournament’s importance for youth development and sports tourism, saying, "This event gathers some of the best young teams worldwide. More than 800 players will participate, along with coaches, officials, and family members, bringing the total number of attendees to over 1,000." He added that 22 teams from Europe, Africa, India, and the Americas will compete against 22 UAE-based academy teams, making it a perfect opportunity for players to experience different styles of football.

Making a Global Impact

Chris Brown, the founder of the MENA Cup, expressed his excitement about this year’s tournament, saying, "We are proud to lead one of the best youth football tournaments in the Middle East. The MENA Cup brings talented young players from around the world to Dubai. This year’s edition will be the biggest and most exciting yet!"

For the first time, the MENA Cup has appointed a local ambassador—Lucas Pimenta, a player from Al Wahda and the UAE national team. He will work alongside Teddy Sheringham, the tournament’s international ambassador, to inspire and guide young players.

Jebel Ali Golf & Shooting Club: A Key Partner

Luke Plumb, a representative of Jebel Ali Golf & Shooting Club, said, "We are happy to host this tournament for the third year in a row. We want to give all teams a great experience and create a competitive but fun environment for young footballers."

Official Group Draw for MENA Cup 2025

After the press conference, the official group draw took place. Here are the teams in each age group:

• Under-12: Empire FC (UAE), Scott (Kazakhstan), Fursan España (UAE), Rangers (Scotland), Elite London Academy (England), La Liga Abu Dhabi (UAE), Shabab Al Ahli (UAE), Norwich City (England), Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia), Inglisia (Jordan).

• Under-13: Barcelona Academy (UAE), ARA FC (India), Manchester City Academy (UAE), Al Jazira (UAE), Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia), Fursan España (UAE), Dubai Irish (UAE), Western United (Australia), Melbourne City (Australia), Elite London Academy (England).

• Under-14: Reds Academy (UAE), Melbourne City (Australia), Empire (UAE), Kavuy Celtic (Zambia), La Liga Dubai (UAE), Manchester City Academy (UAE), Cruisers (Northern Ireland), Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia).

• Under-15: La Liga Dubai (UAE), Corinthians (Brazil), Reds Academy (UAE), Al Qadsiah 2 (Saudi Arabia), Barcelona Academy (UAE), Go-Pro Sports Academy (Sharjah), Al Qadsiah 1 (Saudi Arabia), Columbus Crew (USA).

• Under-16: La Liga Dubai (UAE), Kavuy Celtic (Zambia), Al Jazira (UAE), Fursan España (UAE), Ole FC (UAE), ARA FC (India), Al Nasr (UAE), Manchester City Academy (UAE).

Watch the Tournament Live!

Football fans around the world can watch the matches live on the MENA Cup YouTube channel. Entry to the venue is free, and there will be fun activities happening alongside the matches to entertain fans.

The MENA Cup 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for young footballers, bringing together talent from different countries and cultures. With Dubai Sports Council’s support and top-class facilities at Jebel Ali Golf & Shooting Club, this tournament will continue to grow and make a strong impact on youth football worldwide!