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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 | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

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

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

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

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.