Junior World Cup Antalya 2026 is set to welcome around 10,000 young footballers, coaches and families to Turkey’s Mediterranean resort city, as the international youth tournament expands its capacity and global reach.
The event will take place from April 3 to April 12, 2026, in the Belek area of Antalya and will bring together youth teams from more than 50 countries across five continents.
The growing tournament has become one of the major meeting points for grassroots football worldwide. Organizers say the expanded 2026 edition will double participation compared with previous years, reinforcing Antalya’s role as an international hub for youth sports tourism.
Global youth teams gather in Antalya
The Junior World Cup Antalya brings together academy teams from leading football clubs and youth organizations around the world. Among the clubs planning to participate are Sevilla FC, Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart, FC Porto, Everton FC, Panathinaikos FC, Hellas Verona FC, Rayo Vallecano, Steaua București, Dinamo Moscow, FK Crvena Zvezda, FK Partizan, Club Brugge KV, Lech Poznań and GNK Dinamo Zagreb.
Turkey will also be represented by several clubs and academy teams, including Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor. Additional guest teams expected to attend include Real Madrid, Real Betis, Benfica and Marseille.
The presence of both European football powerhouses and emerging youth academies reflects the tournament’s growing international reputation. Organizers describe the event as a platform where young players compete, exchange experiences and build friendships through football.
Belek becomes a centre for youth sports tourism
Matches will be staged in Antalya’s Belek region, a destination known for its resort infrastructure, sports facilities and mild spring climate. The tournament will run across two consecutive weeks, with competitions organized by age groups.
Beyond the matches themselves, the event also brings a significant influx of visiting families, coaches and supporters. The expected attendance of around 10,000 participants highlights the role of youth sporting events in driving international travel to Antalya.
Organizers say the Junior World Cup Antalya is moving toward a long term goal of becoming the world’s largest children’s football festival by 2028. The 2026 edition represents another step in that expansion as the tournament continues to attract clubs and academies from across the global football community.
