Place and date

Gothenburg, Sweden, July 12th–18th, 2026

Age group

Boys born January 1st 2009 or later. No overaged players are allowed.

Number of teams

There are a total of 24 teams invited.

Tournament setup

The teams are divided into a single league consisting of 24 teams. All teams play four matches during the league phase, with all fixtures scheduled in advance. Each team plays one match per day.

The draw is based on geographical seeding and the matches are played in a round-robin style format.

After all teams have completed their four league matches, the standings determine the play-off qualification:

• Teams placed 1–4 qualify for the A Play-offs

• Teams placed 5–8 qualify for the B Play-offs

• Remaining teams play a placement match on Friday

The play-offs are played as knockout matches.

If two or more teams are equal on points at the conclusion of the league phase, the following criteria shall be applied in the order listed below:

1. Superior goal difference.

2. Higher number of goals scored.

3. Higher number of matches won.

4. Higher combined number of points obtained by the opponents faced during the league phase.

5. Drawing of lots.

Determination of Qualification Places

If the teams cannot be separated after applying all of the above criteria, and the ranking position determines qualification to a different competition stage, the tied teams shall be separated by a penalty shoot-out conducted in accordance with the instructions of the Competition Committee.

This applies when the ranking position determines:

• Qualification for the A Semi-Finals;

• Qualification for the B Semi-Finals; or

• Qualification for the Placement Matches.

Other Ranking Positions

If the teams cannot be separated after applying all of the above criteria, and the ranking position does not affect qualification to a different competition stage, the final ranking order shall be determined by drawing of lots.

Playing period
2 x 30 minutes

Playing fields

All matches are played at fields in the city centre and are played on astroturf. The final is played on hybrid grass.