The International Schools Cup 2027

Dubai | February 16–21, 2027

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 — now taking place in Dubai, February 16–21, 2027.

Hosted at the iconic Emirates Dubai Sevens Stadium and brought to you by UK Football Trials and Locker Room Events, and held at the iconic Emirates Sevens Stadium — a truly spectacular venue which hosts the Dubai 7s rugby event, 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 2026–2027, ensuring consistency across all teams.

  • 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 16–21, 2027 (6-day event)

Feb 16th

DAY 1

  • Arrival in Dubai

  • Airport pick-up

  • Hotel check-In

  • Welcome dinner

  • Live tournament draw

Feb 17th

DAY 2

  • Training session

  • Venue tour

  • VIP Desert Safari Excursion

Feb 18th

DAY 3

  • Tournament Day 1

  • Group Stage matches

Feb 19th

DAY 4

  • Tournament Day 2

  • Cup, Plate & Bowl finals at stadium

Feb 20st

DAY 5

  • Sightseeing day (Atlantis, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, etc.)

Feb 21nd

DAY 6

  • Breakfast and return airport transfers

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 16th February 2027 to Sunday 21st February, 2027.

What age groups are eligible to participate?

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?

The full event package is 7,000 AED per player (approx. £1,500), excluding flights. However, an early bird rate of 6,000 AED is available for payments made before May 26, 2026. Flights are booked through Dnata (Emirates Group) with support for schools and parents. A 3-part payment plan and full fundraising support (including brochures, sponsorship templates, and JustGiving tools) are included.

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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