Philly Leader

Major League Soccer (MLS) and MLS NEXT have unveiled the details for the 2025 Generation adidas Cup, which is set to be the largest and most competitive edition yet. The tournament will feature 80 teams from 14 countries across four continents. Notable clubs such as FC Bayern, Inter Milan, and Palmeiras will compete against MLS academies at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, from April 12-20.

For the first time, the tournament will include a Girls Division as part of MLS NEXT’s partnership with the Girls Academy. Two All-Star teams of top domestic Girls Academy prospects will face off against international clubs FC Bayern Munich and Manchester City FC in a round-robin format at the U16 level. The competition concludes with a championship match on April 20.

“Generation adidas Cup showcases MLS’ successful player development pathway on the global stage as MLS academies compete against the world’s best,” stated Ali Curtis, MLS Senior Vice President of Sporting Development. “The quality of international competition and introduction of a new girls competition in 2025 further showcases MLS’ and adidas’ commitment to making Generation adidas Cup the top youth tournament in the world.”

Zola Short, Sr. Director of Soccer Sports Marketing at adidas North America, emphasized the significance of this event: "The Generation adidas Cup is an incredibly important piece of our partnership with Major League Soccer."

Eighteen international clubs are slated to participate in both U18 and U16 age groups. This includes Inter Milan (U18), marking Italy's second appearance after AS Roma in 2022; FC Bayern (U16); VfB Stuttgart (U16); and Independiente de Panama (U18), Panama's inaugural club entry.

Additionally, four non-MLS academies qualified for this year's cup through their performance at MLS NEXT Fest in December 2024. These include Sockers FC Chicago at U18 level and Tampa Bay United at U16 level.

The tournament has been pivotal for young talents who have advanced to international acclaim. Past participants include Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas / PSV), Gio Reyna (New York City FC / Borussia Dortmund), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Julián Álvarez (River Plate / Atlético Madrid), Enzo Fernández (River Plate / Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Bradley Barcola (Olympique Lyon / PSG), Malo Gusto (Olympique Lyon / Chelsea).

Forty teams will compete within each age group across ten groups. Sixteen teams advance to a single-elimination championship bracket while others enter consolation brackets. Teams are guaranteed seven matches each.

All matches are streamed live on MLS’ YouTube page with additional broadcast details forthcoming.