Rabat – The Eighth Mohammed VI International U19 Tournament kicked off today at the Academy in Sale, bringing together elite clubs from four continents to confirm its place as a premier global stage for youth football.
The tournament has expanded to record 16 teams divided into four groups, bringing together global giants including, France’s Rennes and Monaco, Spain’s Villarreal, Argentina’s Boca Juniors, Brazil’s Palmeiras, UAE’s Al Ain, and Qatar’s Aspire Academy.
Representing Moroccan football are three clubs, Fath Union Sport (FUS), Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB), and the host Mohammed VI Academy, all competing in this expanded 16-team field.
The tournament opened with a high-intensity clash that saw the Mohammed VI Academy secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Italy’s Como 1907, setting a powerful tone for the home side’s campaign.
By attracting top-tier recruitment officials from around the world, the tournament reinforces its role as a key gateway for emerging players to transition into professional football.
The tournament has grown rapidly since its launch in 2017, moving to a U19 format in 2019 and attracting top clubs from around the world. It is now a major stage for young talent, with many past players successfully moving on to professional careers in Europe.
Spanning from April 22 to 26, the tournament will wrap up with the crowning of a new champion, marking the finale of what is now recognized as a premier fixture in global youth football.
