IberCup concludes Brazil edition with record participation and eyes Salvador debut
The youth tournament wrapped up its events in Rio and São Paulo with over 400 teams and is now preparing for its debut in Salvador.
The IberCup, one of the world's leading youth football tournaments, has concluded its July season in Brazil. The events held in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo wrapped up on July 26, drawing over 400 teams and approximately 20,000 attendees, including athletes and their families. This 2026 edition also featured the tournament's first-ever official opening ceremony, hosted at the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro.
Organizers expressed satisfaction with the event's growth, emphasizing the participation of traditional Brazilian clubs and young athletes from various regions. Márcio Lima, CEO of IberCup in Brazil, stated that the tournament aims to provide more than just sporting competition, offering young athletes a chance to gain cultural experience and showcase their skills to scouts from top-tier clubs.
Following the successful run in Brazil's two largest cities, the organization is looking to expand its reach. The next major milestone will be the tournament's debut in Salvador, scheduled for September 2–7, 2026. The event in the capital of Bahia is expected to host 110 teams from six different countries, bringing together approximately 1,500 young athletes.