LALIGA FC FUTURES Mundial Sub12 Kicks Off in Brunete, Showcasing Global Youth Talent

Brunete, Spain – The inaugural LALIGA FC FUTURES Mundial Sub12 tournament began Tuesday in Brunete, Madrid, bringing together 20 elite youth teams from five continents. The competition, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the LALIGA FC FUTURES tournament, aims to provide a global platform for the next generation of football stars.

Organized by LALIGA and the José Ramón de la Morena Foundation, the tournament features prominent youth academies from across Spain, including FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Real Betis, Sevilla FC, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, Valencia CF and Villarreal CF. Joining them are international powerhouses such as SE Palmeiras and CR Flamengo (Brazil), CA Boca Juniors and River Plate (Argentina), Inter Miami CF (United States), Inter de Milán (Italy), Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Arsenal FC (England), Galatasaray SK (Turkey), Wydad AC (Morocco), and Shanghai Port FC (China). The breadth of participation underscores the tournament’s ambition to become a truly global showcase for youth talent.

Inauguration and Early Exhibition Match

The official opening ceremony took place Tuesday afternoon at the Estadio Municipal Los Arcos in Brunete, with representatives from participating clubs, José Ramón de la Morena (President of the JRM Foundation), Rafael Louzán (President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation), and Mar Nicolás (Mayor of Brunete) in attendance. The event signaled the start of a week-long celebration of youth football.

Following the ceremony, an exhibition match was held between a Spain Under-12 select team and a World Under-12 combined squad, comprised of players from the tournament. The match was guided by a trio of legendary football figures: Vicente del Bosque, José Antonio Camacho, and Bernd Schuster, adding a touch of prestige and experience to the occasion.

A Legacy of Developing Future Stars

LALIGA FC FUTURES has a rich history, having established itself over three decades as one of the most respected youth tournaments in international football. The competition has served as a launching pad for numerous players who have gone on to achieve success at the highest levels of the game. Notable alumni include Xavi, Iker Casillas, Santi Cazorla, Andrés Iniesta, Fernando Torres, Gerard Piqué, Cesc Fàbregas, Gavi, Dean Huijsen, and Lamine Yamal, demonstrating the tournament’s ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent. For aspiring young footballers, a strong showing here can be a significant step towards a professional career.

Tournament Format and Group Stage Breakdown

The 20 participating teams have been divided into four groups of five for the initial phase of the competition. The groups are as follows:

• Group A: SE Palmeiras (Brazil), CR Flamengo (Brazil), CA Boca Juniors (Argentina), CA River Plate (Argentina), Inter Miami CF (United States)
• Group B: Inter de Milán (Italy), Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Arsenal FC (England), Galatasaray SK (Turkey)
• Group C: Real Madrid (Spain), Atlético de Madrid (Spain), Real Betis (Spain), Sevilla FC (Spain), Wydad AC (Morocco)
• Group D: FC Barcelona (Spain), RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (Spain), Valencia CF (Spain), Villarreal CF (Spain), Shanghai Port FC (China)

The group stage matches will be played from March 25th to March 27th, with each day’s action beginning at 10:30 CET (Central European Time). The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, starting at 10:00 CET. The semi-finals will accept place on the same day, beginning at 18:00 CET, setting the stage for the final weekend of competition.

Final Matches and Broadcast Information

The tournament will culminate on Sunday, March 29th, with the third-place play-off at 11:30 CET and the championship final at 12:00 CET. Fans across Spain will be able to watch the action live on DAZN, GOL, Teledeporte, LALIGA TV BAR, LALIGA HYPERMOTION TV, LALIGA+, and LALIGA Inside.

Internationally, the tournament will be broadcast on LALIGA’s international channel and its official OTT platform, LALIGA+. LALIGA’s official social media accounts on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Twitch, and TikTok will also provide coverage. In China, fans can tune in via Bilibili and Weibo, ensuring a wide reach for this prestigious youth tournament.

The LALIGA FC FUTURES Mundial Sub12 represents more than just a competition; it’s an investment in the future of football, providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams on a global stage. The tournament’s commitment to inclusivity and international participation underscores its ambition to identify and nurture talent from all corners of the world.

The next matches are scheduled to begin at 10:30 CET on Wednesday, March 26th, as the group stage continues. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and coverage of the LALIGA FC FUTURES Mundial Sub12 tournament.

What are your predictions for the tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!