The Mohammed VI Football Academy is hosting a new edition of its U19 International Tournament, which has become an important event for youth development and scouting. The 2026 edition will take place in Salé.
Launched in 2017, the tournament has evolved significantly over the years, switching from a U17 to a U19 format in 2019 and attracting clubs from multiple continents. It’s now a major platform for emerging talent, with several players from previous editions going on to secure opportunities at top European clubs.
Dates, schedule and participating teams
The 8th edition of the Mohammed VI Football Academy U19 International Tournament is scheduled to run from April 22 to April 26 at the academy’s facilities in Salé.
The full match schedule has not yet been officially released, but the competition is expected to follow its usual structure:
- a group stage
- followed by classification matches
- and a final to close the tournament
The tournament traditionally has 12 teams from across different continents, including two Moroccan representatives.
This year will include 16 teams and a strong international lineup: Académie Mohammed VI (MAR), FUS Rabat (MAR), RS Berkane (MAR), AS Monaco (FRA), Stade Rennais (FRA), Boca Juniors (ARG), Palmeiras (BRA), Villarreal CF (ESP), Nottingham Forest (ENG), Leeds United (ENG), Como 1907 (ITA), AZ Alkmaar (NED), Vitória SC (POR), Hajduk Split (CRO), Al-Ain FC (UAE), and Aspire Academy (QAT).
This is a very diverse field, which reinforces the tournament’s growing reputation as a meeting point for elite youth academies from Europe, Africa, South America, and the Middle East.
This tournament continues to stand out as a scouting hub. Some established players who participated in the Mohammed VI Academy International U19 Tournament before becoming global stars are Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad / Morocco), Azzedine Ounahi (Panathinaikos / Morocco), Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe / Morocco), and Eliesse Benseghir.
Read also: L’Equipe: Morocco’s Mohammed VI Academy is One of the Best in the World
