Eligibility, match format, and competition policies for World Cup Youth Festival 2026
Group games are scored on a standard points basis: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss.
Unless a category states otherwise below, games use the tournament default of 12 minutes with a 3-minute changeover and a minimum team rest target of 10 minutes.
Rolling substitutions are permitted throughout the game. Teams may name up to 5 substitutes.
11v11 games for mixed teams. Maximum squad size: 18.
Game length: 20 minutes. Changeover: 5 minutes. Minimum rest target: 15 minutes.
7v7 games for male teams in the U10 age band. Maximum squad size: 10.
Game length: 15 minutes. Changeover: 5 minutes. Minimum rest target: 15 minutes.
7v7 games for female teams in the U12 age band. Maximum squad size: 10.
Game length: 15 minutes. Changeover: 5 minutes. Minimum rest target: 15 minutes.
9v9 games for mixed teams in the U14 age band. Maximum squad size: 12.
Game length: 15 minutes. Changeover: 5 minutes. Minimum rest target: 15 minutes.
GROUPS games for male teams in the U16 age band. Maximum squad size: 16.
Game length: 20 minutes. Changeover: 5 minutes. Minimum rest target: 15 minutes.
11v11 games for female teams in the U18 age band. Maximum squad size: 18.
Game length: 20 minutes. Changeover: 5 minutes. Minimum rest target: 15 minutes.
Retreat line applies for U10 and below.
Kick-ins replace throw-ins for U9 and below.
Heading is not permitted below U12.
Offside applies from U11 upward.
Sin bins are used from U12 upward.
Goalkeepers may drop kick from U11 upward.
Power play is active when a team trails by 4 or more goals.
Teams must provide a named squad list before the tournament begins.
Refunds are available up to 21 days before the event.
Teams must check in 45 minutes before their first fixture.
If a team arrives late, the organiser may reduce the fixture length after a grace period of 5 minutes to protect the schedule.
If a team is not ready within 5 minutes, the organiser may award a walkover. Walkovers are recorded as a 3-0 win.
If weather affects the schedule, the organiser may adjust fixture timings or amend the format to complete the event.
Any protest must be raised within 20 minutes of the fixture ending.