CONIFA Men’s Continental Cups 2026: Celebrating Regional Football Across the Globe
- MEI
- Nov 20, 2024
- 2 min read
The CONIFA Men’s Continental Cups 2026 bring the excitement of regional football to Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. With each tournament featuring elite teams representing their regions, these events celebrate the diversity and passion of football while creating opportunities for host cities to shine on the global stage.
What Are the Continental Cups?
Organized by the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA), the Continental Cups provide a platform for teams from underrepresented communities, nations, and regions to compete and connect. With tournaments taking place across four continents, the events highlight regional talent while fostering cultural exchange and unity.
Event Overview
Year: 2026
Format:
Europe: 8 teams compete over 7 to 9 days.
Americas, Asia, and Africa: 4 teams compete over 7 to 9 days.
Timing: June/July or December/January.
Previous Editions:
North America Football Cup 2023 in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Asia Cup 2023 in Portugal.
Hosting the Continental Cups
Venue Requirements:
A 10,000-seater stadium for primary matches.
A 5,000-seater stadium for secondary matches.
8 training pitches, one for each participating team.
Accommodation & Logistics:
Accommodation for 8 teams, staff, and officials (costs covered by the host city).
Transportation for teams and officials, including coaches for the duration of the tournament.
Economic and Social Benefits
Hosting the CONIFA Men’s Continental Cups offers significant advantages for host cities:
Economic Boost
Retain all ticket revenue from the event.
Merchandising opportunities provide additional income.
Global Visibility
International TV and digital media coverage.
Licensing of media rights ensures broad exposure for the host city.
Community Engagement
Encourages participation in grassroots football.
Promotes cultural diversity and inclusion.
Estimated Costs
Hosting a Continental Cup involves the following investment:
Travel Expenses for CONIFA Staff: €10,000.
Miscellaneous Expenses: €10,000.
Player Travel Costs: Covered by the host city.
A Unique Opportunity for Regional Football
"The Men’s Continental Cups are a celebration of regional talent and culture, offering host cities the chance to create lasting economic and social impact while elevating their profile on the international stage. These tournaments are about more than football—they’re about connecting people through the universal love of the game." - CONIFA
