{"id":900462,"date":"2026-04-17T10:28:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T10:28:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/900462\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T10:28:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T10:28:22","slug":"2026-budget-energy-supercupni-draw-unveils-blockbuster-group-match-ups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/900462\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw unveils blockbuster group match-ups"},"content":{"rendered":"

PICTURED ABOVE:\u00a0Northern 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw has set the stage for this summer\u2019s tournament, with leading clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Rangers, Celtic, Spurs and Sunderland discovering their group stage opponents.<\/p>\n

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\u2019 and Girls\u2019 Sections were brought together for the first time in the competition\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

More than 150 guests attended the event, including club representatives, partners and media, underlining its importance within the international youth football calendar.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

READ NEXT: 14 Medals, 6 Champions: TeamStrike Derry dominate ISKA Irish Open<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Northern Ireland<\/a>\u2019s County teams and leading clubs will once again go head-to-head with some of the world\u2019s top academies on home soil, in what promises to be a highly competitive week across all sections.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Boys\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Reigning champions Southampton begin their defence against County Londonderry, Iconz FC and Tigres UANL, following their victory over United in last year\u2019s final.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Boys\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Spurs take on County Londonderry, Chicago City and Plymouth Argyle, and West Ham meet County Fermanagh, St Patrick\u2019s Athletic and Charlton Athletic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Boys\u2019 Minor Section once again reflects the global appeal of the tournament. Holders Cliftonville, who edged out Linfield in last year\u2019s final, have been drawn against Maiden City, Ross County and Al Jazira FC as they look to retain their crown.<\/p>\n

EFL Championship side Blackburn will face Linfield, Newell FC and Surf Select, while Danish newcomers Helsing\u00f8r FC take on Rosario YFC, Ballymena United and Atlas FC.<\/p>\n

There is significant interest in the Girls\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

In the Girls\u2019 Junior Section, Manchester United begin their title defence against Glentoran, Linfield and Kilmarnock, while Surf Select (USA) will face Chicago City, Crusaders and Cliftonville.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Also 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sam Gamble, Tournament Coordinator at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said:\u00a0\u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe draw has produced some outstanding match-ups across both the Boys\u2019 and Girls\u2019 Sections and it sets the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive and exciting week of football this summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year marks a historic first for the tournament, with both the Boys\u2019 and Girls\u2019 Sections drawn together in one event. That reflects the continued growth of the competition and the rising profile of the girls\u2019 game on the international stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would also like to place on record our thanks to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for hosting tonight\u2019s draw. The Theatre at The Mill provided a fantastic setting for such an important moment in the tournament calendar.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are also grateful to our three host councils for their continued support and for working collaboratively to bring this year\u2019s draw together in one location, which represents an important step forward for the tournament.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean O\u2019Loughlin, Managing Director at Budget Energy, added:\u00a0\u201cThe draw has added real momentum ahead of this summer\u2019s tournament, with some outstanding match-ups already taking shape across both the Boys\u2019 and Girls\u2019 Sections.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe strength of this year\u2019s line-up\u00a0underlines the global standing of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI and the calibre of teams it continues to attract from across the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a real sense of anticipation building and we are looking forward to what promises to be another outstanding week of football this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said:\u00a0\u201cWe were delighted to welcome everyone to Theatre at The Mill for this historic Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw. Bringing the Boys\u2019 and Girls\u2019 Sections together for the first time marks an important moment in the continued growth of this world\u00a0renowned tournament.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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\u2019s Tournament this summer for what promises to be another exciting and memorable chapter in the SuperCupNI story in July.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:\u00a0\u201cIt is a privilege, as Mayor, to attend the launch of the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI 2026\u00a0and 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.<\/p>\n

“I particularly welcome the historic inclusion of both Boys\u2019 and Girls\u2019 Sections being drawn together for the first time, reflecting the continued progress of the game and growing opportunities for young people in sport.<\/p>\n

“Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council\u00a0is 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Boys\u2019 Draw<\/strong><\/p>\n

Minor Section –\u00a0<\/strong>Group A \u2013<\/strong> Rosario YFC, Ballymena United, Helsingor FC, Atlas FC;\u00a0Group B \u2013<\/strong> Glenavon FC, Portadown FC, Kilmarnock FC, Chicago City;\u00a0Group C \u2013<\/strong> Cliftonville FC, Maiden City FC, Ross County, Al Jazira FC;\u00a0Group D \u2013<\/strong> Linfield, Newell FC, Blackburn Rovers, Surf Select<\/p>\n

Junior Section –\u00a0<\/strong>Group A \u2013<\/strong> County Down, County Armagh, Helsingor FC, Leeds United;\u00a0Group B \u2013<\/strong> County Antrim, County Tyrone, Celtic FC, Blackburn Rovers;\u00a0Group C \u2013<\/strong> County Fermanagh, St Patrick\u2019s Athletic, Charlton Athletic, West Ham United;\u00a0Group D \u2013<\/strong> County Londonderry, Chicago City, Plymouth Argyle, Tottenham Hotspur<\/p>\n

Premier Section –\u00a0<\/strong>Group A \u2013<\/strong> County Tyrone, County Down, Right to Dream, Derby County FC;\u00a0Group B \u2013<\/strong> County Armagh, County Fermanagh, Kamimura Gakuen, Sunderland AFC;\u00a0Group C \u2013<\/strong> County Londonderry, Iconz FC, Tigres UANL, Southampton FC;\u00a0Group D \u2013<\/strong> County Antrim, Intercontinental FA, Rangers FC, Manchester United<\/p>\n

2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Girls\u2019 Draw<\/strong><\/p>\n

Junior Section –\u00a0<\/strong>Group A \u2013<\/strong> Glentoran FC, Linfield FC, Kilmarnock FC, Manchester United;\u00a0Group B \u2013<\/strong> Surf Select, Chicago City, Crusaders FC, Cliftonville FC<\/p>\n

Premier Section – G<\/strong>roup A \u2013<\/strong> Liverpool, Manchester United, IL Heming, Desert Empire;\u00a0Group B \u2013<\/strong> Aston Villa, Northern Ireland, Shamrock Rovers, Chicago City<\/p>\n

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,\u00a0247.tv\u00a0and BuyTicketApp.<\/p>\n

For more information on the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, visit\u00a0www.supercupni.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"PICTURED ABOVE:\u00a0Northern Ireland U17 international and tournament graduate Chloe Beckinsale and Charlotte Havern are pictured alongside Ballymena United…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":900463,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[5011],"tags":[124510,16767,1144,16,15],"class_list":["post-900462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-northern-ireland","tag-county-derry","tag-derry","tag-northern-ireland","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116419580610801521","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/900462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=900462"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/900462\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/900463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=900462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=900462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=900462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}