Youth Football Takes Center Stage as Legends Lead the MagiCup Tournament at Disney

MagiCup: A Unique Youth Football Tournament

The football world is abuzz with excitement as the MagiCup, an unprecedented international youth football tournament, is set to take place from June 1 to June 5, 2026. Hosted at the renowned ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, this tournament is not just about elite competition; it stands for inclusion and opportunity for young athletes everywhere.

The inaugural event will feature an innovative 7v7 format for Boys U12 and U13 categories (players born in 2013 and 2014). What makes MagiCup truly unique is its mission to bridge the gap between elite academies and grassroots teams from diverse backgrounds around the globe.

Notable football icons, including Javier Zanetti, Rivaldo, Iván Córdoba, and Andriy Shevchenko, have signed on as global ambassadors for the event. The legendary Zanetti, a former Inter Milan player, shared his thoughts on the event, stating, "MagiCup embodies the dreams of every child aspiring to play football. I would have loved to have an opportunity like this when I was young, and I’m thrilled to support such an initiative."

The tournament brings together 20 of the world’s most prestigious football academies, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, PSG, and Boca Juniors. Already confirmed to participate are teams from countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Barbados, with more countries expected to join.

Rivaldo, another football legend and World Cup winner, highlighted the transformative potential of the MagiCup, asserting, "This tournament will change the lives of countless children. With such a platform, they can dream bigger and harness that hope to pursue their ambitions. I wish I had this kind of access during my career." He emphasized that sport serves as a valuable training ground for life skills and values, further enhancing the experience when paired with the magical atmosphere of Disney.

MagiCup was founded by Eduardo Frisicaro, who heads IdeaSport, a premier football academy located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The tournament addresses a pressing global challenge: ensuring equitable access to opportunities for young athletes. Despite millions of kids playing football worldwide, only a small fraction has the chance to follow structured pathways or gain international exposure. The MagiCup collaborates with PVBLIC Foundation, Inc., and aligns with the United Nations Football for the Goals initiative, aiming to impact youth positively through sports.

An episodic documentary will capture the MagiCup journey, showcasing the teams’ experiences both on and off the field. Michael Colangelo, formerly the Chief Content Officer at AAU and an executive at ESPN, will direct the documentary, which aims to feature stories of hope and resilience from participants from all over the world.

The tournament will take place at the impressive ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a massive 260+-acre facility featuring 17 multi-purpose fields and a 9,500-seat stadium. Since its inception in 1997, the complex has drawn athletes from over 70 countries, establishing itself as a hub for youth sports excellence.

However, MagiCup aspires to be more than just a tournament; it seeks to redefine what is possible for youth in sports. By providing a global platform, it creates pathways for young athletes to realize their full potential, embodying the spirit of football that transcends borders and cultures.

To learn more about this groundbreaking initiative and how to get involved, visit www.magicup.com.