NCFC Youth to host inaugural elite international boys soccer tournament in 2026

Raleigh, NC – North Carolina FC Youth (NCFC Youth), the largest youth soccer organization in North Carolina serving more than 17,000 local players annually, announced that WRAL Soccer Park will host “IBERCUP x ECNL International – Raleigh, NC USA 2026” over Labor Day Weekend, marking the inaugural IBERCUP event in the United States.

The IBERCUP is one of the most recognized and respected youth soccer tournaments in the world. Since 2010, it has hosted thousands of teams from over 120 countries, offering a platform where young players compete, develop and connect through the game.

At NCFC Youth’s WRAL Soccer Park, nearly 200 U11 and U12 boys’ teams from Europe, South America, Asia and the United States are expected to compete in 7v7 games for the tournament championship through a mix of group and knockout stages, offering a unique competitive, developmental and cultural experience for players, teams, coaches and clubs.

The four-day tournament is part of IBERCUP’s long-term international growth vision and will be launched in partnership with the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform for America’s top soccer players. With support from the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA), WRAL Soccer Park and NCFC Youth were chosen to host the inaugural IBERCUP tournament in the U.S. The selection highlights the strong reputation NCFC Youth and WRAL Soccer Park have built over decades as a trusted home for youth soccer, high-level competition and premier events. IBERCUP x ECNL International – Raleigh, NC USA 2026 is expected to generate an estimated 7,000 hotel room nights and generate more than $4.5 million in direct visitor spending.

“Hosting IBERCUP x ECNL International is a tremendous win for our community and our local economy,” said Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. “Welcoming elite soccer clubs and families from across the United States and around the world delivers meaningful economic impact for our local community, while showcasing Raleigh on a global stage as a premier destination for international youth soccer. Events of this caliber create lasting value for the sport and our region well beyond the final match. It’s a milestone moment for the area, and we are grateful for the efforts of NCFC Youth to make this event possible.”

WRAL Soccer Park serves as NCFC Youth’s primary facility and has been a cornerstone of the club’s programming since opening in 1981. The 123-acre complex features 23 fields and welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually, hosting daily practices and games, as well as elite regional, national and – now – international competitions, across a variety of community and sporting events.

“Launching the first IBERCUP tournament in the United States at WRAL Soccer Park marks a significant milestone for NCFC Youth and soccer in our region,” said Gary Buete, CEO of NCFC Youth. “It reflects years of dedicated and intentional effort to develop the facility into a premier sports event destination capable of hosting events of this caliber, supported by partnerships with the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance and the local hospitality community. We’re proud to welcome teams and families from around the world and look forward to sharing the spirit of the Triangle with them.”

NCFC Youth hosts 10 tournaments throughout the year at WRAL Soccer Park. Its signature event, the visitRaleigh.com Showcase Series, has been hosted at the Soccer Park since 1982 and consistently draws more than 1,600 teams each year from over 30 states and international destinations. According to economic analysis by the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh), the event generates an estimated $29.5 million annually for Wake County and surrounding areas. In addition to soccer, WRAL Soccer Park and NCFC Youth work alongside the GRSA and other sport event partners to host a range of other non-soccer competitions during open weekends. Since 2020, the facility has hosted state and regional events across various sports, including football, spikeball, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and more, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and generating nearly $9 million in additional economic impact.

To learn more, visit www.NCFCYouth.com or see the official announcement from ECNL here.