2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw unveils blockbuster group match-ups

PICTURED ABOVE: Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Charlotte Havern are pictured alongside Ballymena United Minor Section players Curtis McKeown and Isaac Dixon, with former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright and Karl Bradley from Budget Energy at the official draw for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.Also pictured are Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey; Councillor Julie Gilmour, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey; Councillor Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens; and Matt McDowell and Councillor Matthew Warwick from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw has set the stage for this summer’s tournament, with leading clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Rangers, Celtic, Spurs and Sunderland discovering their group stage opponents.

Former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright conducted the eagerly anticipated draw at Theatre at The Mill in Newtownabbey, where both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections were brought together for the first time in the competition’s history.

More than 150 guests attended the event, including club representatives, partners and media, underlining its importance within the international youth football calendar.

The 43rd edition of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI will take place from Sunday 26th July to Friday 31st July 2026, welcoming 60 elite teams from across Europe, North America, Asia and beyond, alongside leading sides from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

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Northern Ireland’s County teams and leading clubs will once again go head-to-head with some of the world’s top academies on home soil, in what promises to be a highly competitive week across all sections. 

The Boys’ Premier Section has already produced a number of intriguing match-ups, with seven-time champions Manchester United drawn alongside County Antrim, Intercontinental FA and Rangers as they bid to lift the title for the first time since 2014.

Reigning champions Southampton begin their defence against County Londonderry, Iconz FC and Tigres UANL, following their victory over United in last year’s final.

There is added intrigue with the return of Sunderland, who are back in the competition after a 27-year absence. They have been placed in Group B with County Armagh, County Fermanagh and Kamimura Gakuen.

The Boys’ Junior Section once again features a strong mix of elite academies and rising talent. Celtic, who reached the semi-finals last year, have been drawn in Group B with County Tyrone, County Antrim and Blackburn Rovers as they look to go one better this time around.

They are joined by Premier League sides Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, all set for a series of high-quality encounters. Leeds will face County Down, County Armagh and Helsingor FC. 

Spurs take on County Londonderry, Chicago City and Plymouth Argyle, and West Ham meet County Fermanagh, St Patrick’s Athletic and Charlton Athletic. 

The Boys’ Minor Section once again reflects the global appeal of the tournament. Holders Cliftonville, who edged out Linfield in last year’s final, have been drawn against Maiden City, Ross County and Al Jazira FC as they look to retain their crown.

EFL Championship side Blackburn will face Linfield, Newell FC and Surf Select, while Danish newcomers Helsingør FC take on Rosario YFC, Ballymena United and Atlas FC.

There is significant interest in the Girls’ Premier Section, with Liverpool set for a historic debut in the competition. They have been drawn alongside Manchester United, IL Heming and Desert Empire. Defending champions Shamrock Rovers face Aston Villa, Northern Ireland and Chicago City.

In the Girls’ Junior Section, Manchester United begin their title defence against Glentoran, Linfield and Kilmarnock, while Surf Select (USA) will face Chicago City, Crusaders and Cliftonville. 

Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Charlotte Havern are pictured alongside Ballymena United Minor Section players Curtis McKeown and Isaac Dixon, with former Northern Ireland international and current Northern Ireland U21 Manager Tommy Wright and Karl Bradley from Budget Energy at the official draw for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI. Also pictured are Karl Bradley from Budget Energy, Sparky the Budget Energy mascot, Diarmaid Dallat and Fergal McTague of Creagh Concrete, Ollie Booth from KLIR, and Brian Hutchinson and Dave Sanderson from Uhlsport.

Sam Gamble, Tournament Coordinator at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: “This is exactly what the SuperCupNI is all about. It brings some of the biggest clubs in world football together with the very best of our local talent, creating a unique and truly international environment for young players.

“The draw has produced some outstanding match-ups across both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections and it sets the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive and exciting week of football this summer.

“This year marks a historic first for the tournament, with both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections drawn together in one event. That reflects the continued growth of the competition and the rising profile of the girls’ game on the international stage.

“We would also like to place on record our thanks to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for hosting tonight’s draw. The Theatre at The Mill provided a fantastic setting for such an important moment in the tournament calendar.

“We are also grateful to our three host councils for their continued support and for working collaboratively to bring this year’s draw together in one location, which represents an important step forward for the tournament.

“To be entering our 43rd year with a line-up of this quality reflects the strength and reputation the tournament has built globally. We are looking forward to welcoming players, coaches and supporters from across the world for what promises to be another special chapter in the SuperCupNI story.”

Sean O’Loughlin, Managing Director at Budget Energy, added: “The draw has added real momentum ahead of this summer’s tournament, with some outstanding match-ups already taking shape across both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections.

“The strength of this year’s line-up underlines the global standing of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI and the calibre of teams it continues to attract from across the world.

“What sets the tournament apart is the opportunity it gives local players to test themselves against world-class opposition on home soil, while also showcasing Northern Ireland as a first-class host for international teams.

“There is a real sense of anticipation building and we are looking forward to what promises to be another outstanding week of football this summer.”

Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said: “We were delighted to welcome everyone to Theatre at The Mill for this historic Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw. Bringing the Boys’ and Girls’ Sections together for the first time marks an important moment in the continued growth of this world renowned tournament. 

“We are proud that our Borough is once again playing a central role in hosting this prestigious international event, which attracts elite clubs from across the globe and provides an invaluable platform for our local players. 

“The calibre of teams taking part this year reflects the exceptional reputation the SuperCupNI has built over more than four decades. We look forward to hosting the Girl’s Tournament this summer for what promises to be another exciting and memorable chapter in the SuperCupNI story in July.”

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said: “It is a privilege, as Mayor, to attend the launch of the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI 2026 and to welcome players, officials and guests from across the world to our area. This prestigious tournament remains a highlight of the international youth football calendar.

"I particularly welcome the historic inclusion of both Boys’ and Girls’ Sections being drawn together for the first time, reflecting the continued progress of the game and growing opportunities for young people in sport.

"Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is proud to support this event, which brings significant benefits locally and provides an excellent platform for young people to develop and showcase their talent on an international stage. I wish all teams every success.”

2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Boys’ Draw

Minor Section - Group A – Rosario YFC, Ballymena United, Helsingor FC, Atlas FC; Group B – Glenavon FC, Portadown FC, Kilmarnock FC, Chicago City; Group C – Cliftonville FC, Maiden City FC, Ross County, Al Jazira FC; Group D – Linfield, Newell FC, Blackburn Rovers, Surf Select

Junior Section - Group A – County Down, County Armagh, Helsingor FC, Leeds United; Group B – County Antrim, County Tyrone, Celtic FC, Blackburn Rovers; Group C – County Fermanagh, St Patrick’s Athletic, Charlton Athletic, West Ham United; Group D – County Londonderry, Chicago City, Plymouth Argyle, Tottenham Hotspur

Premier Section - Group A – County Tyrone, County Down, Right to Dream, Derby County FC; Group B – County Armagh, County Fermanagh, Kamimura Gakuen, Sunderland AFC; Group C – County Londonderry, Iconz FC, Tigres UANL, Southampton FC; Group D – County Antrim, Intercontinental FA, Rangers FC, Manchester United

2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Girls’ Draw

Junior Section - Group A – Glentoran FC, Linfield FC, Kilmarnock FC, Manchester United; Group B – Surf Select, Chicago City, Crusaders FC, Cliftonville FC

Premier Section - Group A – Liverpool, Manchester United, IL Heming, Desert Empire; Group B – Aston Villa, Northern Ireland, Shamrock Rovers, Chicago City

The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is proudly supported by headline partner Budget Energy, alongside a valued network of partners. These include Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Sterling Insurance, Creagh Concrete, Uhlsport, Clearer Water, IDS Chartered Accountants, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.tv and BuyTicketApp.

For more information on the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, visit www.supercupni.com.