500 Teams, 18 Countries, One Cotton Bowl: The Dallas Cup Is Back

Somewhere between the opening whistle and the ceremonial first kick—delivered by Joshua Nascimento, son of the late Pelé—the Cotton Bowl on Sunday felt less like a stadium and more like a passport office with better grass. The 2026 Dallas Cup, North America's oldest international youth soccer tournament, recently opened with a single-day attendance record of 25,426. "It's one of the most prestigious international youth tournaments in the world," said Andy Swift, Vice President of the Dallas Cup board. "And it's, in a way, a little mini World Cup."

More than 500 boys and girls teams from 18 countries are competing through April 5, with the elite Super Group showcasing four former champions—São Paulo FC, Fulham, FC Dallas, and defending titleholder SAF Botafogo, who struck first against Aston Villa in the marquee opener. "It's such a massive tournament, and you never know who's watching around," said Ruby Phillips, a defender from England.

The tournament carries particular electricity this year, with North Texas set to host nine FIFA World Cup matches beginning in June. "It's amazing," said winger Charis Neil. "I mean, to play on possibly some pitches that might be played in the World Cup is really cool." The future, it seems, has already taken the pitch.