A two-day youth football tournament inspired by the World Cup will be held on 1–2 July 2026 at Le Fornaci Sport Club in Beinasco, northern Italy. The event, named Friends World Cup 2026, will bring together local players aged 14 to 19 in an amateur seven-a-side competition designed to promote grassroots football and youth participation.
Planned as a one-off event exclusively for summer 2026, the tournament draws inspiration from selected elements of the World Cup’s structure and symbolism, while remaining fully independent and unaffiliated with FIFA. It is organized by Lorenzo Iuli, Samuele Levizzari, Simone Levizzari, Michele Mallardo, and Fabio Pifferi, with a strong focus on fair play, respect, and passion for the sport. The initiative aims to foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere, offering young athletes not only a competitive challenge but also an opportunity to connect, grow, and share an authentic football experience.
Although all participants are Italian, teams will symbolically represent different nations, introducing an international narrative that enhances team identity and engagement. Eight teams will compete under the banners of Italy, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Matches will take place behind closed doors on a modern seven-a-side pitch. The group stage is scheduled for 1 July from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, while the knockout phase will be played on 2 July, concluding with the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.
Spectators will not be admitted on site, however, all matches will be live-streamed on Twitch, with highlights published online so that families, friends, and supporters can follow the tournament remotely.
According to the organizers, Friends World Cup 2026 seeks to support youth football, strengthen community involvement, and provide young players with a structured competitive experience inspired by global football traditions. Local authorities have also highlighted the event as a reflection of the growing interest in organized amateur youth competitions across Italy.
Further information is available at https://friendscup.it
