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Costa Blanca Cup 2026 Set To Welcome Record 319 Youth Teams From 34 Countries

Benidorm / 30 June 2026

International Youth Football Festival Returns To The Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is preparing to welcome thousands of young footballers, coaches and supporters as the Costa Blanca Cup 2026 returns with a record-breaking 319 teams from 34 countries competing across the region.

Running from 1–11 July, the tournament has grown into Spain's largest international youth football event and is expected to generate a significant economic boost for Benidorm and neighbouring Marina Baixa towns through sports tourism.

Hosted by Tour-Sport Promociones Deportivas, the competition will feature both football and futsal tournaments, bringing together more than 6,000 young players from Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Record Participation In 2026

Now in its 32nd edition, the Costa Blanca Cup continues to break participation records.

This year's tournament includes:

319 youth teams
34 countries represented
206 football teams
113 futsal teams

Matches played across Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, L'Alfàs del Pi, La Nucía, Finestrat and Calpe.

Organisers say the event continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Europe's leading youth football tournaments.

Futsal Competition Opens The Festival

The tournament begins with the 21st Costa Blanca Cup Futsal, running from 1–5 July.

Highlights include:

113 teams from 9 countries
57 international teams
56 Spanish teams
Countries represented include:
Spain
France
Australia
Venezuela
Brazil
Canada
Colombia
England
Ireland

The growing international participation means overseas clubs now outnumber Spanish teams in the futsal competition.

Football Tournament Brings Global Talent

The main football tournament begins on 5 July, with finals scheduled for 11 July.

A total of 206 teams from 25 countries will compete, including:

Spain

United States

Brazil

England

Northern Ireland

Portugal

France

Canada

Morocco

Mexico

Nigeria

Norway

Iceland

Algeria

Chile

Romania

Switzerland

Taiwan

Turkey

Uruguay

Puerto Rico

United Arab Emirates

For the first time, international teams significantly outnumber Spanish clubs, underlining the tournament's growing global appeal.

Uganda Charity Partnership Returns

One of the tournament's most inspiring features returns in 2026 through a partnership with The Boys' Mentorship Programme Africa.

The initiative enables disadvantaged and orphaned children from Uganda to travel to Spain and experience international football while participating in friendly matches and cultural activities.

Organisers say the programme promotes inclusion, friendship and opportunity through sport,

allowing young people from very different backgrounds to build lifelong memories together.

Major Boost For Costa Blanca Tourism

Beyond the football, the Costa Blanca Cup provides a significant boost for the local economy.

Thousands of players, coaches, officials and family members will stay in hotels, dine in local restaurants and visit beaches, attractions and shops throughout the tournament.

Sports tourism has become an increasingly important part of Benidorm's annual visitor economy, helping extend the tourism season beyond traditional holiday periods.

Football Brings The World Together

Tournament director Fernando Brotons said the Costa Blanca Cup continues to focus on four key principles:

Sporting excellence
International friendship
Sports tourism
Cultural exchange

Benidorm's Councillor for Sports, Javier Jordá, welcomed the return of the competition, saying the city looks forward every year to welcoming thousands of young athletes and their families.

He described football as "a universal language" that brings together young people from around the world while showcasing everything the Costa Blanca has to offer.

With another record-breaking year expected, Costa Blanca Cup 2026 promises to deliver more than football—celebrating international friendship, cultural exchange and the power of sport to unite communities across the globe.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.