The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI draw has mapped out this summer's fixtures, with top sides including Manchester United, Liverpool, Rangers, Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland discovering who they will face in the group stages.

Former Northern Ireland international and current U21 manager Tommy Wright oversaw the draw at Theatre at The Mill in Newtownabbey, where—for the first time—the Boys' and Girls' Sections were announced together. More than 150 attendees, including club officials, partners and media, underlined the tournament's stature on the global youth football calendar.

Now in its 43rd year, the tournament runs from Sunday 26 July to Friday 31 July 2026 and will feature 60 elite teams from Europe, North America, Asia and further afield, alongside leading sides from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

County teams and local clubs will again test themselves against some of the world's strongest academies on home soil during what is expected to be a fiercely contested week across every age group.

In the Boys' Premier Section, seven-time winners Manchester United were drawn with County Antrim, Intercontinental FA and Rangers as they chase a first title since 2014. Defending champions Southampton begin against County Londonderry, Iconz FC and Tigres UANL after beating United in last year's final. Sunderland return after 27 years away and go into Group B with County Armagh, County Fermanagh and Kamimura Gakuen.

The Boys' Junior Section features a powerful field once again. Celtic, semi-finalists last year, will meet County Tyrone, County Antrim and Blackburn Rovers in Group B as they aim to go one step further. Premier League outfits Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United also line up: Leeds face County Down, County Armagh and Helsingor FC; Spurs meet County Londonderry, Chicago City and Plymouth Argyle; West Ham take on County Fermanagh, St Patrick's Athletic and Charlton Athletic.

In the Boys' Minor Section, holders Cliftonville—who edged Linfield in last year's final—are paired with Maiden City, Ross County and Al Jazira FC as they target back-to-back titles. Blackburn face Linfield, Newell FC and Surf Select, while Danish newcomers Helsingør FC will play Rosario YFC, Ballymena United and Atlas FC.

There is major focus on the Girls' Premier Section with Liverpool set for a landmark debut. They are grouped with Manchester United, IL Heming and Desert Empire, while reigning champions Shamrock Rovers face Aston Villa, Northern Ireland and Chicago City. In the Girls' Junior Section, Manchester United open their title defence against Glentoran, Linfield and Kilmarnock, and Surf Select (USA) meet Chicago City, Crusaders and Cliftonville.

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