Legends Launch MagiCup: A Global Pitch for Youth Football's Next Generation

LONDON, Jan. 13, 2026 – A groundbreaking international youth football tournament is set to unfold at the most magical place on Earth. MagiCup today announced its inaugural 2026 tournament, an ambitious event that will bring aspiring young footballers from remote villages and elite global academies to the same pitch at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Scheduled for June 1-5, 2026, the 7v7 invitational for boys in the U12/U13 age groups aims to be far more than just a competition. Backed by football icons like Javier Zanetti, Rivaldo, Iván Córdoba, and Andriy Shevchenko, MagiCup is being positioned as a global movement designed to tackle one of youth sports' most persistent challenges: equitable access to opportunity.

A New Pitch for Global Inclusion

The tournament's core concept is a dramatic juxtaposition: 20 of the world's most prestigious football academies, including giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and PSG, will face off against grassroots teams from diverse and often underserved communities. Confirmed participants already hail from nations as varied as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, war-torn Ukraine, Brazil, Colombia, and Barbados, with more teams to be announced.

This structure is the brainchild of Eduardo Frisicaro, founder of the IdeaSport football academy at Walt Disney World. His vision is to create a platform where talent, not circumstance, is the ultimate arbiter. While hundreds of millions of children play football, only a fraction gain access to the structured pathways and international exposure that shape professional careers. MagiCup aims to build a bridge over that gap.

Inter Milan legend and global ambassador Javier Zanetti, who grew up in a working-class district of Buenos Aires, sees the initiative as a reflection of his own journey. "MagiCup is inclusion. It is every child's dream. I would've loved to participate in an event like this as a child," Zanetti stated. "I'm honored to support this movement aimed at providing access to opportunities and hope that it leads with time to a child achieving their own dream. There's never been an opportunity like this to bring kids together from around the world."

The Power Players: Legends and Strategic Alliances

Beyond the star power of its ambassadors, MagiCup is fortified by strategic partnerships that underscore its commitment to long-term social impact. The PVBLIC Foundation, a non-profit that mobilizes media and technology for sustainable development, is serving as a key fiduciary and impact partner. This ensures that the tournament's mission is tied to measurable outcomes and that funds are managed to maximize social good.

Furthermore, the initiative is aligned with the United Nations' Football for the Goals initiative, which uses the sport's global reach to advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on education, inclusion, and creating pathways to economic growth, MagiCup directly supports key UN objectives.

The involvement of the football legends is designed to be more than ceremonial. They are advocates for a model that prioritizes health and education through sport. Brazilian icon Rivaldo shared his perspective on the tournament's potential. "I have a feeling that the MagiCup will have an unforgettable impact on each child that participates. I believe they will have the opportunity to dream differently, to dream bigger," he said. "MagiCup is something I wish I'd had access to when I fought so hard to achieve my own dream. It is a real honor to support MagiCup, an experience dedicated to kids."

From Village Greens to a World Stage

The experience for the young athletes is designed to be transformative. The tournament will be held at the sprawling 260-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a venue that has hosted athletes from over 70 countries and features 17 multi-purpose fields and a 9,500-seat stadium. Its professional-grade production center will allow matches to be broadcast globally, giving these young players unprecedented exposure.

For the grassroots teams, the support system is comprehensive. Organizers are providing a structured environment that mirrors that of the elite academies, including accommodations, meals, and transportation. This logistical support is crucial to leveling the playing field and ensuring the focus remains on football and cultural exchange. The event, which runs from May 30 to June 7 including team activities, promises an "ultimate team bonding experience" that blends elite competition with the magic of exploring Walt Disney World.

The timing is also strategic, taking place during the same summer as the FIFA World Cup, which will also be held in North America. This alignment aims to capture the global focus on football and channel it toward youth development and the sport's power to inspire hope.

Capturing the Magic: A Story for the World

To ensure the impact of MagiCup resonates beyond the fields in Florida, the entire journey will be chronicled in an episodic documentary series. The production will be led by Michael Colangelo, a seasoned storyteller and former ESPN/Disney Sports Executive Producer who now serves as the Chief Content Officer for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).

The series will follow teams from five continents, capturing their stories on and off the pitch. From the remote villages of the Andes Mountains to communities rebuilding in Ukraine, the documentary aims to deliver powerful narratives of hope, resilience, and the universal language of football. The goal is to secure distribution on major global platforms, turning the tournament into a worldwide media event that amplifies its message of inclusion.

By combining elite competition, a powerful social mission, and compelling storytelling, MagiCup is not just creating a new tournament. It is building a global platform intended to redefine opportunity in youth sports, proving that with the right support, dreams born anywhere can find their way to the world's biggest stage.