DRAGAN MANCE CUP 2026

Belgrade is once again preparing to become the center of world youth football, as the jubilee, tenth Dragan Mance Cup 2026, has been officially announced. This prestigious tournament, which raises the bar for organization and quality every year, will be held from June 12th to 14th, 2026. The host of this spectacle will be the „Partizan-Teleoptik“ Sports Center in Zemun, the popular „Zemunelo,“ whose top-notch facilities will host thousands of young footballers who dream of following in the footsteps of the legendary number nine of the black-and-whites.

The Dragan Mance Cup is not just a sports competition; it is a manifestation that preserves the memory of one of the most beloved footballers in the history of Yugoslav football. His brother, Goran Mance, who heads the organization, emphasizes that the tournament's goal is for children from all over the world to feel the spirit of fair play and the joy of the game that characterized Dragan. This jubilee edition promises to be the largest yet. Over 200 teams from more than 15 different countries across four continents have confirmed their participation.

European giants and regional football schools unite

Renowned names in world football are regularly confirming their participation in the Dragan Mance Cup, which attests to the international prestige of this sports festival. The list of participants and clubs that are traditional guests or have already confirmed their attendance for 2026 includes European giants such as the Dutch club Ajax from Amsterdam and Portuguese club Benfica. From Italy, Bologna will be participating, while Greece will be represented by PAOK from Thessaloniki. The region is equally strongly represented with teams such as Ferencváros from Hungary, Levski from Sofia, Dinamo from Bucharest, and Maribor from Slovenia.

The domestic scene will be represented by the strongest football schools. In addition to Partizan, as the natural host, there are also Čukarički, Zemun, OFK Beograd, as well as numerous clubs from the surrounding area like Sloboda from Tuzla, Sparta from Sarajevo, and Danilovgrad from Montenegro. Such a concentration of talent in one place guarantees top-notch football and an opportunity for scouts from the biggest clubs to see future stars in action through the Dragan Mance Cup competition.

Technical details and age categories of the tournament

The Dragan Mance Cup 2026 is designed to include five age categories, providing children of different ages the opportunity to compete at a top level. The youngest participants, the U8 category (boys born in 2018), will play on fields measuring 40x25 meters in a 5+1 player format. The U9 (2017), U10 (2016), and U11 (2015) categories will test their strengths on fields measuring 50x30 meters with a 6+1 setup. The oldest group, U12 (boys born in 2014), will compete in an 8+1 format on spacious fields measuring 70x50 meters. All matches last 25 minutes, allowing for high game intensity and lots of excitement for spectators.

The tournament logistics have been perfected. Given that a large number of teams from abroad are expected, the organizer has provided accommodation in renowned Belgrade hotels such as Capital, Slavija, City Code, Elegance, and Side One. Participants will be provided with full board, including lunch at the playing fields themselves, to maximize their focus on the competition. As many as 100 licensed referees from the Football Association of Belgrade will be responsible for regularity and adherence to the rules of the game, which speaks volumes about the seriousness with which every detail is approached.

The Importance of Tournaments for Developing Young Talent and Promoting Sports

One of the key aspects that sets the Dragan Mance Cup apart from similar tournaments is the support it receives from official institutions and former stars. The Zemun Municipality and the Football Association of Belgrade firmly stand behind this project, recognizing its importance for promoting sports and tourism in the capital. In addition to the sports aspect, the tournament provides an opportunity for children from different cultures to socialize and form new friendships, which was one of the fundamental visions when the cup was founded.

Rich prizes have been prepared for the most successful teams and individuals. In addition to trophies and medals for the top four teams in each age category, prestigious individual awards will also be presented. Each category will have its best player, top scorer, and best goalkeeper, with special emphasis also placed on the best coaches, who shape future individuals and athletes through their pedagogical work. The Dragan Mance Cup thus remains a beacon for all those who believe in the proper development of young footballers.

Information on applications and participation for the anniversary edition

Organizers remind all interested clubs that the application process is already underway. Early registration of teams with the exact number of participants runs until March 31, 2026, while the final deadline for registration is May 25. Given the enormous interest and limited number of spots in certain categories, early registration is advised to ensure participation in this prestigious event.

When the first whistle blows in SC „Teleoptik“ in June 2026, Belgrade will once again show why the Dragan Mance Cup is considered a football festival. Admission will be free for all visitors, which is an invitation to all football fans to come to Zemun and support the young hopefuls. Dragan Mance, with his play and charisma, united people, and this tournament continues that mission, making his name immortal through every goal scored and every child's smile on the field. See you at the tenth Dragan Mance Cup, where legends are born.

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