80 Elite Teams. Global Powerhouses. One Stage for the Future of Soccer.
The 2025 Generation adidas Cup brings together 80 elite youth teams—including top MLS academies and global powerhouses—at IMG Academy for one of the most competitive and internationally diverse tournaments in youth soccer.
The 2025 Generation adidas Cup is set to be the most competitive and expansive edition yet—showcasing the future stars of the game in a global tournament like no other.
Scheduled for April 12-20 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, this year’s event will bring together 80 elite youth teams—split between U-16 and U-18 divisions—with players who represent the highest levels of development in youth soccer today. 
The Elite of the Elite: Majority Youth Players Are from Fully Funded MLS Academies
This isn’t just another tournament. It’s a proving ground for players already training in professional environments. On the boys’ side, the majority of elite youth soccer players participating come from fully funded MLS academies—programs tied directly to professional clubs, offering top-tier training, coaching, and resources. These top of the top players are often provided with a full free ride and do not have to cover the soccer related costs of training, travel or uniform kits.
The format features:
- 29 MLS academies in each age group (excluding San Diego FC)
- 9 international academies per division
- 2 non-MLS academies from MLS NEXT per division—qualified through competitive performance at the 2024 MLS NEXT Fest
These players aren’t just aiming for college scholarships—they’re on the radar for professional contracts.
U-18 Qualifiers
U-16 Qualifiers
A Global Stage with International Prestige
International clubs confirmed for 2025 span 14 countries across four continents, including powerhouses like:
U-18 Division
- Inter Milan (Italy)
- Palmeiras (Brazil)
- Leicester City (England)
- CF Monterrey (Mexico)
- Club Bolívar (Bolivia)
U-16 Division
- FC Bayern Munich (Germany)
- PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
- Club América (Mexico)
- FC Tokyo (Japan)
- Toulouse FC (France)
This global participation not only raises the level of competition but also offers MLS academy players direct exposure to international playing styles and talent.
Tournament Format
Each team will play seven matches: six group-stage games and one placement match. Group stage matches are 60 minutes (two 30-minute halves), while championship matches are extended to 70 minutes. In the event of a tie, matches go directly to penalty shootouts.
NEW for 2025: The Girls Division Makes Its Debut
For the first time in tournament history, the Generation adidas Cup introduces a Girls Division, marking a major milestone in the evolution of the event and MLS NEXT’s commitment to supporting the women’s game.
In partnership with the Girls Academy, the girls’ competition will feature:
- U-16 round-robin format
- All-Star teams from the GA’s East and West regions
- International entrants Bayern Munich and Manchester City
This addition provides top female players with a rare opportunity to compete at a high-profile, international youth event—further expanding the developmental pathway for girls in the U.S.
The girls’ matches will run April 16–20, with the final set for April 20.
Why the GA Cup Matters
The Generation adidas Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a scouting and development hub for clubs, national teams, and professional organizations. Players here are already being evaluated for pro contracts, national team call-ups, and beyond.
With the addition of the Girls Division, and the continued emphasis on top-level, professional-style competition, the GA Cup continues to raise the bar in elite youth soccer.
