Aston Villa Set for Return to 2026 Dallas Cup presented by Coca-Cola

Returning for first time since 2005, the Villans seek to become England’s sixth Gordon Jago Super Group champions

DALLAS, Texas (Thursday, September 25) – Dallas Cup, the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States, announced today that Aston Villa has accepted an invitation to participate in the tournament’s elite Gordon Jago Super Group in 2026. The 2026 Dallas Cup presented by Coca-Cola will be played March 29 through April 5.

Aston Villa returns to Dallas Cup for the first time since 2005. The Birmingham-based club boasts one of England’s premier academies and is fresh off a historic 2024/25 campaign, capturing a remarkable treble: the U18 Premier League National Final, the U18 Premier League South, and the FA Youth Cup.

During the title-winning run, Cole Brannigan led the Premier League South with 11 goals, while Bradley Burrowes, Mason Cotcher, and Jack McGrath also contributed heavily in attack. In the national final, Leon Routh scored the decisive goal against Manchester City, and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba and Aidan Borland shined in the FA Youth Cup final. While eligibility may vary, several members of this championship-winning side could be in consideration for the 2026 Dallas Cup, offering fans a glimpse at the next generation of Aston Villa stars.

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Aston Villa’s appearance continues the tournament’s long-standing relationship with the Premier League. Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, among others, have all competed in Dallas Cup, while West Ham United (1992), Nottingham Forest (2002), Liverpool (2008), Fulham (2013), and Everton (2016) have lifted the Gordon Jago Super Group trophy. Aston Villa now aims to become the sixth English champion in tournament history.

In addition to their youth success, Aston Villa’s senior team has been enjoying its best run in decades. Villa finished fourth in the 2023-24 Premier League season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over 40 years, and followed that up with a sixth-place finish in 2024-25. Over the last three Premier League campaigns, Aston Villa ranks fifth in total points earned, highlighting the club’s rise into the league’s top tier. The Villans have also competed in European continental tournaments in each of the last three seasons, including the ongoing 2025-26 UEFA Europa League, underscoring the strength of the club at both senior and academy levels.

Aston Villa is the first team announced for the 2026 Gordon Jago Super Group. A total of 12 elite clubs and national teams from around the world will battle for the iconic Boot & Ball trophy next spring in Dallas.

The 2026 Dallas Cup presented by Coca-Cola looks to build upon a record-breaking 2025 tournament, which for the first time featured expanded Boys’ and Girls’ divisions from U10 through U19. The team application window is open, with a deadline of November 30.

Fans and teams looking to apply can learn more about the tournament by visiting www.DallasCup.org or following @dallascup on social media.