Costa Blanca Cup countdown begins as hundreds of young footballers prepare for Benidorm showdown

Excitement is building across the Costa Blanca as one of Europe’s biggest youth football tournaments prepares to kick off in just a few weeks.

The 32nd edition of the Costa Blanca Cup will bring hundreds of teams and thousands of young players, coaches and supporters to Benidorm and surrounding towns from Sunday July 5 to 11, transforming the region into a week-long celebration of grassroots football.

Organisers describe the tournament as Spain’s leading international youth football competition, with clubs travelling from across Europe and beyond to compete in a packed schedule of matches. The event has become a summer tradition on the Costa Blanca, combining competitive football with a holiday atmosphere on the Mediterranean coast.

Teams from around the world

The tournament welcomes boys’ and girls’ teams across multiple age groups, from under-eight level through to under-19s. Matches will be played on both natural and artificial pitches across Benidorm and nearby host towns.

Over the years, the competition has attracted thousands of teams from dozens of countries, helping establish the Costa Blanca as a major destination for youth sport. Since its launch in 1994, more than 80,000 players from over 5,000 teams representing 72 nations have taken part.

More than just football

While the action on the pitch remains the main attraction, the tournament is also a major boost for local tourism, with hotels, restaurants and attractions welcoming a huge influx of visitors during the week. Benidorm’s beaches, nightlife and family-friendly attractions make it a popular choice for travelling teams.

The week will culminate with finals and trophy presentations on July 10 and 11, when champions across the various categories will be crowned and the tournament’s best club will receive the overall title.

Final preparations underway

With registrations now closed and teams finalising travel plans, anticipation is growing among players eager to compete on an international stage. For many young footballers, the Costa Blanca Cup represents a chance to test themselves against new opponents, make friends from around the world and create lasting summer memories.

As the countdown enters its final days, Benidorm is once again preparing to become the beating heart of youth football on the Mediterranean.