Minerva Academy FC Set to Represent India at MIC Cup 2026 in Spain

Chandigarh, March 24, 2024: Minerva Academy FC is set to represent India on the global stage once again as the club prepares to participate in the prestigious MIC Cup 2026, scheduled to take place from 1st April to 5th April in Costa Brava. The Warriors will compete in the Under-15 category, one of the most competitive age groups of the tournament that features elite academies from across the world.
Often regarded as one of the most prestigious youth football tournaments globally, the MIC Cup attracts some of the best academies and emerging talents from leading football nations. This year’s edition will see 52 teams participating in the Under-15 category, representing a wide range of footballing nations.
Host nation Spain leads the participation with 26 teams, while the United States will have eight representatives. Both Canada and Brazil will be represented by four teams each, while Italy and South Korea will have two teams each in the competition. Additionally, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Portugal, Denmark, and India will each have one team participating in the tournament.
In a significant recognition of the academy’s growing international reputation, Minerva Academy FC has been placed in Pot 1 during the tournament draw alongside some of the most renowned academies in world football. The top-seeded pot features clubs such as Liverpool FC, Real Sociedad, UE Figueres, FC Andorra, Rayo Vallecano, Junior FC, CF Peralada, Sant Cugat FC, Atlético Madrid, Villarreal CF, and SC Braga.
Minerva Academy FC have been drawn into a competitive group where they will face Boca OC from the United States, Kaptiva Sports Academy from Spain, and EF Santa Ana from Spain.
The Warriors will kickstart their campaign on 1st April against Boca OC at 9:30 PM IST, followed by two crucial fixtures on 2nd April where they will take on Kaptiva Sports Academy at 12:30 PM IST and EF Santa Ana at 7:30 PM IST.
Minerva Academy FC’s participation at the MIC Cup marks another important milestone in the academy’s growing global journey. Over the years, the academy has built a strong reputation for competing and succeeding in international youth tournaments. Minerva teams have regularly participated in elite competitions such as the Gothia Cup, Norway Cup, and Mina Cup, where the academy has consistently produced impressive performances against clubs from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
One of the standout achievements came when Minerva Academy lifted the Mina Cup in 2022 in Dubai, defeating strong academies from the Gulf region and further establishing their credentials on the international stage.
The academy’s philosophy of providing global exposure to young Indian footballers has been a key pillar of its development model. Regular participation in high-level international tournaments allows Minerva’s players to compete against elite opposition, gain valuable experience, and raise the standard of youth football development in India.
As the Warriors prepare to travel to Spain, the MIC Cup presents yet another opportunity for Minerva Academy FC to showcase Indian football talent on one of the biggest youth football platforms in the world.