The International Schools Cup 2026

Dubai | February 17–22

Hosted at the world-class Sevens Stadium this is not just another school tournament. It’s a 5-star football experience where schools from across the world will compete for the ISC Trophy

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Not just a football tournament, a once in a lifetime experience on and off the pitch.

The International Schools Cup is set to be the most prestigious and competitive international schools football tournament in the world, and it’s happening in Dubai, February 2026.

Hosted at the iconic Emirates Dubai Sevens Stadium and brought to you by UK Football Trials in partnership with Locker Room Events, this landmark event will unite top school teams from around the world all battling to be crowned the inaugural winner of the ISC trophy.

From the moment you arrive, players and staff will be treated like champions:

  • Luxury airport transfers

  • 4-star accommodation

  • Team dinners, exciting excursions & unforgettable off-pitch activities

Two full days of action packed tournament play where school teams from across the globe, compete for the ISC Champions Cup and other trophies at the incredible Dubai Sevens Stadium.

This isn’t just a tournament. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience on and off the pitch.

What You Need To Know About The International Schools Cup

The ultimate schools football experience

Game Format & Eligibility

Age categories align with the UK school system for 2025–2026, ensuring consistency across all teams.

  • U14, U16, U18 Boys & U18 Girls

  • Min. squad size: 14 players

  • Match duration: 40 minutes (group stage), 50 minutes (semi-finals & finals)

  • Cup and Plate competitions

All matches are officiated by qualified referees, are filmed and recorded and medical teams are on site throughout the tournament

About The Emirates Dubai Sevens Venue

The Dubai Sevens Stadium is the ultimate football venue—home to 8 world-class natural grass pitches, a spectacular 35,000-seater stadium and fantastic club house and pool area.

Built to host elite international events, it delivers an unbeatable environment for youth and professional football.

When it comes to Elite top-tier facilities, nothing in the region comes close and it is used as a training facility by some of the biggest clubs in world football.

Flight Deals, Luxury Transport, 4* Hotels With Meals Included

From touchdown to check-out, everything is taken care of. Teams benefit from an exclusive variety of fixed-price flight deals with Emirates and have a dedicated account manager for support.

Accommodation is provided at excellent 4-star Radisson hotels with restaurants, gyms and swimming pools. Executive transport is included to and from airports, tournament venues, and excursions.

Meals are included throughout the trip, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for players and staff

Unforgettable Dubai Experiences

Beyond the pitch, teams will have the chance to explore Dubai’s most iconic attractions. From a VIP desert safari at sunset to optional visits to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Marina, and more.

The International Schools Cup is the ultimate mix of football, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Tournament Schedule

February 17th-22nd 2026

Feb 17th

DAY 1

  • Airport Pick-Up

  • Hotel Check-In

  • Welcome Dinner

  • Live Tournament Draw

Feb 18th

DAY 2

  • Team training session

  • Emirates Sevens Facility Tour

  • VIP Desert Safari Excursion

Feb 19th

DAY 3

  • Tournament Day 1

  • Group Stage Matches

Feb 20th

DAY 4

  • Tournament Day 2

  • Knockout Rounds & Finals

Feb 21st

DAY 5

  • Choose Your Excursion

  • Transport Provided

  • Multiple Options Available

Feb 22nd

DAY 6

  • Departure & Return Home

Are You Interested In Being Part of The ISC?

This isn’t just a regular football tour. It’s a chance for your team to travel, compete, and play in a world-class environment — and create lasting memories both on and off the pitch.

If you’re interested in speaking to us and finding out more, click below and register your school’s interest. Please note: we are currently allocating spaces for just 48 teams across all age groups. Spaces will go quickly, so please contact us as soon as possible to reserve your place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dates of the tournament?

The tournament will run from Tuesday 17th February 2026 to Sunday 22nd February 2026

What age groups are eligible to participate?

U14, U16, and U18’s for boys and U18’s for girls. Schools are invited to put in A

and B teams for each age category and squad size is recommended to be 16-18.

What is the tournament format and schedule?

Group stage followed by knockout rounds, semi-finals, and finals across 3 match days. We will potentially have tournaments for “A” and “B” teams and plan to have Cup and Plate competitions. All will be finalised a few weeks before the event.

What’s included in the tournament package?

Accommodation, all meals (3/day aside from lunch on Saturday sight-seeing), luxury transport, tournament entry, desert safari excursion, referees, first aid provision, media coverage, event gifts, and online tour programme access. 

What is the cost per player?

Prices are 7,700 AED (~£1,575) per player, Payable in 3 instalments in June, September and December 2025. For payments in full before June 30th 2025, there will be a price reduction to 7500 AED (~£1,535) per player.

Will there be time for sightseeing or excursions?

Yes – a “Desert Safari” excursion day is built into the itinerary on the Wednesday afternoon and evening. Groups will get the chance to enjoy 4x4 rallying in sand dunes before arriving at a desert Souk. There are multiple activities such including sand boarding and camel rides and guests will get the chance to watch the desert sunset before a buffet meal and entertainment show.

For interested schools, a full list of 30 FAQ’s will be sent following an expression of interest using the button below

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