MLS Academy Side Philadelphia Union to Make Dallas Cup Debut in 2026

DALLAS, Texas (Thursday, Nov. 20) — Dallas Cup, the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States, announced today that Philadelphia Union will compete in the 2026 Gordon Jago Super Group. The 2026 Dallas Cup presented by Coca-Cola will be played March 29 through April 5 in the Greater Dallas area. Philadelphia Union enters the tournament as one of the nation’s premier youth development systems, consistently ranked among the top academies in MLS. According to the most recent MLS Academy Rankings compiled by USSoccerCollective.com, the Union earned the No. 1 overall ranking for the third consecutive year, scoring a perfect 10 out of 10 in both talent and resources. The club continues to stand out for its “Pathway to the Pros” model, with 15 players currently signed to MLS or MLS NEXT Pro contracts, including seven within the past year alone. That success reflects the broader momentum of the club as a whole, with the Union first team currently competing in the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and set to host New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Sunday, November 23.

The academy’s reputation is further reinforced by its track record of producing top-level talent, including FIFA World Cup 26™ hopefuls Brendan Aaronson and Jack McGlynn, as well as Dallas Cup alumnus Mark McKenzie (Dallas Cup 2013).

Making their Dallas Cup debut in 2026, the Union will look to become just the second MLS academy team to win the Gordon Jago Super Group title, following FC Dallas’ historic run in 2017. A championship would also mark a first for the state of Pennsylvania across all age groups in Dallas Cup’s 47-year history.

Philadelphia Union joins previously announced entrants Aston Villa (England) and defending champions Botafogo (Brazil) in a growing Super Group field that will once again feature 12 elite clubs from around the world.

The 2026 Dallas Cup presented by Coca-Cola will build upon a record-breaking 2025 tournament, which for the first time featured expanded Boys’ and Girls’ divisions (U10–U19).

Applications for the 2026 tournament are currently open through November 30, 2025.

For more information or to apply, visit www.DallasCup.org or follow @DallasCup on social media for the latest updates.