2026 Edition

Below we present the teams that will take part in the 2026 edition of the Eagle CUP.

In 2025, Atalanta and Hellas Verona FC, along with historic Balkan sides such as FK Partizan, GNK Dinamo Zagreb and KF Vllaznia Shkodër — which eventually went on to win the tournament — were among twelve European and international teams competing in the first edition of the Eagle CUP, an Under-19 competition.

More than 250 young football prospects competed in fourteen matches (including both the group stage and knockout rounds) at sports facilities in the capital city of Tirana and in the coastal city of Durrës on the Adriatic Riviera.

As part of the collaboration with the Viareggio Tournament, won by Genoa in its 2025 edition, Vllaznija later played a match against Rossoblù, which took place in Viareggio on December 4, 2025.

Teams

kf vllaznia

Winners of the first edition of the Eagle Cup. Founded in Shkodër in 1919, KF Vllaznia is the oldest football club in Albania and one of the country’s most prestigious sporting institutions. Known as the “Cradle of Albanian football,” Vllaznia has a long and proud tradition, having won numerous national league titles and cups throughout its history. The first team plays in the Kategoria Superiore, the top tier of Albanian football, and plays its home matches at Loro Boriçi Stadium. The club’s youth system, the Vllaznia Academy, is also highly regarded, considered one of the most important football development centres in the country, producing and developing young talents who go on to represent both the club and the Albanian national teams. Thanks to its history, achievements, and ongoing commitment to youth development, Vllaznia remains one of the main reference points in Albanian football.

Juventus

Juventus is one of the most successful and historic football clubs in the world. Juventus is also recognised for its strong identity, professionalism, and winning tradition. The club places great importance on youth development. The youth sector is considered among the most structured in Europe, focusing not only on technical skills but also on personal growth and education. Over the years, the youth sector has produced many talented players who have gone on to play at the highest level. One of the most notable examples is Claudio Marchisio, who joined Juventus at a very young age and progressed through all youth levels before becoming a key player for the first team. His career is an inspiration for young players today.

“The tournament is a step forward for our football…”

“This tournament is the result of collaboration and synergy…”