AC CUP 2026 is here!

AC CUP 2026 has officially opened registrations for its fourth edition.

Following a record-breaking tournament last year, and with over 14,200 players and 950 teams participating across its first three editions, the championship returns this year with an exciting new feature: The tournament will now be split across two weeks, by age category, designed to offer an experience tailored to the age, level, and preferences of each player.

• 2–7 June: U10 (2017), U9 (2016), U11 (2015), U12 (2014), Girls (2015–2011), U13 (2013), U14 (2012), Girls (2013–2012)
• 9–14 June: U15 (2011), U16 (2010), Girls (2011–2010), U19 (2009–2007)

Each team is guaranteed four matches, including one at Lezama, with the chance to play again at Lezama or San Mamés should they reach the Gold Final.

Registrations

Registrations for AC CUP 2026 are now open to all clubs wishing to take part in this major grassroots football event — a unique experience in an unbeatable setting, the Athletic Club way.

There are three registration options, with discounted rates for those purchasing tournament passes together with their registration:

• AC CUP player registration: €85 (€70 for players from Athletic Club partner clubs)
• AC CUP player registration + 1 pass (full tournament, including the opening ceremony): €99 (€89 for players from Athletic Club partner clubs)
• AC CUP player registration + 2 passes (full tournament, including the opening ceremony): €109 (€99 for players from Athletic Club partner clubs)

* All tournament participants will receive an exclusive AC CUP welcome pack, including a gymsack, cap, personalised water bottle, and commemorative medal.

Tickets

All AC CUP players and spectators under 16 will enjoy free entry to the tournament. General ticket sales will open a few weeks before the event, with the following prices:

• AC CUP pass (full tournament): €25
• Day ticket: €8
• Opening ceremony ticket: €18
   

The Tournament

Once again, San Mamés and Lezama will open their doors to hundreds of domestic and international clubs looking to experience the red-and-white spirit in an iconic setting. Over the past three editions, La Catedral has welcomed renowned teams such as Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Villarreal CF, Deportivo Alavés, SD Eibar, Real Racing Club, CD Mirandés, Real Zaragoza, Toulouse FC, CF Monterrey, and Athletic Club, of course.

AC CUP has also hosted teams from countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Ireland, Belgium, and France, among others.

Each team will play a minimum of three group stage matches (groups of four) plus one knockout stage match. The knockout stage is split into Gold (1st & 2nd) and Silver (3rd & 4th) brackets. 11-a-side games consist of two halves of 25 minutes, while 7-a-side games feature two halves of 20 minutes.

Matches will be held at various venues across Bizkaia, with every team guaranteed at least one match at Lezama and the possibility of playing at San Mamés or Lezama should they reach a Gold Final.

The official AC CUP app will provide live access to fixtures, results, tables, stats, and venue information.

The tournament will kick off on Tuesday 2 and 9 June for local teams, and on Friday 5 and 12 June for local and overseas teams. Finals and closing ceremonies will take place on Sunday 7 and 14 June.


Grand Opening Ceremony at San Mamés

One of the highlights of AC CUP 2026 will be the Opening Ceremony, held at San Mamés on Friday 6 June. Teams will parade on the pitch and enjoy a spectacular celebration with live music, a light show, and many surprises to be revealed in the coming weeks.

REGISTER NOW FOR AC CUP 2026