FC Cincinnati Academy Set to Compete in 2026 Generation adidas Cup

For the sixth consecutive season, the FC Cincinnati Academy will participate in the Generation adidas Cup (GA Cup), a premier youth soccer competition, at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The tournament, running from March 27 to April 4, will feature the Orange and Blue’s U15 and U16 teams.

Tournament Overview

The 2026 Generation adidas Cup will include 29 MLS academies across the U15 and U16 age groups. Three non-affiliated MLS academies – Cedar Stars Academy (U15), Chicago Sockers FC (U16) and CT United FC (U15) – will participate, bringing the total number of U.S.-based clubs to 32. [1]

Seventeen international teams, representing 14 countries, complete the field. Youth squads from renowned international clubs such as Boca Juniors (Argentina), Club América (Mexico), FC Barcelona (Spain), FC Bayern Munich (Germany), and PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) will compete in the tournament. [3]

Competition Structure

Forty teams will be organized into 10 groups of four in each age group. Sixteen teams will advance to a single-elimination championship bracket, consisting of the 10 group winners and the top six second-place finishers. The remaining 16 teams will enter a consolation bracket, with the final eight competing in consolation groups to ensure additional competitive matches. [3]

FC Cincinnati Academy Groups

The U15s have been drawn into Group I, alongside CT United FC (United States), Nashville SC (United States), and Seongnam FC (South Korea). The U16s are in Group J with FC Dallas (United States), Nagoya Grampus (Japan), and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (United States). [3]

Match Details and Broadcast Information

All teams are guaranteed six 60-minute matches, divided into two 30-minute halves. Championship matches in both age groups will be extended to 70 minutes. Tied matches at the end of regulation will be decided by a penalty kick shootout. [3]

Twenty GA Cup games, including the championship matches, will be streamed live on MLS’ YouTube page. [3]

FC Cincinnati Academy Group Stage Schedule

U15s

• Friday, March 27 – 9 a.m. ET vs. CT United FC
• Saturday, March 28 – vs. Nashville SC
• Sunday, March 29 – vs. Seongnam FC

U16s

• Friday, March 27 – 4:30 p.m. ET vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Saturday, March 28 – 4:30 p.m. ET vs. FC Dallas
• Sunday, March 29 – 5 p.m. ET vs. Nagoya Grampus

For more information on the 2026 GA Cup, including a full tournament schedule, scores, and media, visit mlssoccer.com.