Antalya Friendship Cup 2026 (U9-U15) & Tournament Guide and Official Rules
If you’re searching for a youth football tournament in Antalya (Side, Turkey) for age groups between U9 and U15, this is the complete guide to the Antalya Friendship Cup 2026 including match format, eligibility, passport rules, tie-breakers, discipline policy, and knockout rules.
Tournament Snapshot
- Tournament: Antalya Friendship Cup 2026
- Location: Side, Antalya, Turkey
- Age Groups: U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15 (2013-2017)
- Surface: Natural grass
- Match Time: 2013: 2 × 30 minutes, 2014-2017: 2 × 20 minutes
- Players: 2013: 10 + 1, 2014: 8 + 1, 2015-2016: 7 + 1, 2017: 6 + 1
- Offside: 2013-2015: Yes, 2016-2017: No
- Ball Size: 2013: 5, 2014-2017: 4
- Goal Size: 2013: 7 × 2 m, 2014-2017: 5 × 2 m
- Field Size: 2013: 60 × 95, 2014-2017: 45 × 60
- Substitutions: Unlimited + players can re-enter
- Registration Deadline: 10.03.2026
- Advance Payment Deadline: Before 15.03.2026
Why This Tournament (What Teams Get From Antalya)
Antalya is a top choice for youth football trips because it combines:
- Real international match pressure (great for development)
- Natural grass conditions
- A professional tournament structure with clear rules, discipline standards, and tie-break systems
If you want your players to learn game intelligence, emotional control, and competitive rhythm, a structured tournament week is one of the fastest ways to level up.
Match Format (2013–2017)
- 2 halves of 30 minutes for 2013, 2 halves of 20 minutes for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.
- Total players on the field: 10+1 for 2013, 8+1 for 2014, 7+1 for 2015, 7+1 for 2016, 6+1 for 2017.
- Offside: Active for 2013, 2014 and 2015. Deactive for 2016 and 2017.
- Natural grass football fields.
- Unlimited substitutions (players can re-enter)
- Referees may add or withhold time at their discretion

Official Tournament Rules
Rule 1 — Accommodation changes if a hotel is full
If the hotel is fully booked, the organizer may provide accommodation in another hotel of the same or a lower category.
Rule 2 — Insurance
The organizer does not provide sports insurance. Each team must arrange its own insurance in its home country.
Rule 3 — Medical support
An ambulance and nurses are on duty at the football field throughout the day to provide first aid.
Rule 4 — Sportsmanship
All teams must compete within the framework of sportsmanship and mutual respect.
Rule 5 — Zero tolerance for fighting
Fighting is prohibited on and off the football field. A team that starts a fight will be disqualified from the match and the game counted as a loss. If it happens again, the organizer may completely disqualify the team from the tournament.
Rule 6 — Force majeure & weather
In case of force majeure or adverse weather (storms, lightning, heavy rain, hail, etc.), the organizer may modify the schedule or postpone games to other dates within the tournament days.
Rule 7 — Multiple teams & player eligibility
A club/academy/school may enter multiple teams across age categories, and even multiple teams within one age group. Players may only play for one team. One goalkeeper cannot play for both teams.
Rule 8 — Substitutions & timekeeping
Substitutions are unlimited. A substituted player may re-enter the match. Referees may add or withhold time at their discretion.
Rule 9 — Red card procedure
When a player receives a red card, the player leaves the field and another player enters in his place.
Rule 10 — Mandatory application form
Each team must submit an Application Form (coach + players: name/surname, date of birth, country, passport number) to the tournament administration before the tournament. The form must be signed by the team leader and certified with appropriate seals.
Rule 11 — Passports & match checks (VERY IMPORTANT)
A club/academy/school representative must carry all players’ passports. Passport checks are conducted before each match. Teams failing passport checks will not be allowed to play and will receive a 3–0 technical defeat.
Rule 12 — Opponent can request a document check
The opposing team’s coach may request the organizer to verify a player’s documents for that match to confirm age eligibility.
Rule 13 — Age protests & sanctions
Protests about age discrepancy can be submitted before the match or immediately after it ends. If older-than-allowed players are found on the field, the violating team receives a 3–0 forfeit loss.
Rule 14 — Kits, warm-up, and match ball
If teams have the same shirt color, the team listed second in the schedule must change. Each team must bring two kits (light & dark) and be ready at least 15 minutes before kickoff. Teams must bring their own balls/equipment for warm-ups; the organizer provides the ball only for the official match.
Rule 16 — Responsibility for fans/parents
Team leaders are responsible for the discipline and behavior of their fans and parents supporting the team.

Tie-Breakers & Knockout Stage
Group Tie-Breakers (If teams are equal on points)
- Goal difference (scored minus conceded)
- Most goals scored
- Number of wins
- If still tied: lots are drawn
Knockout Stage
- Top 2 teams from each subgroup qualify for the semi-finals
- Winners play the final (1st/2nd)
- Semi-final losers play for 3rd/4th
- If a semi-final or final ends tied: penalty shootout (5 players)
Awards
- Cups & medals: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
- Medals: all other teams
Team Manager Corner
Match-Day “No Mistakes” Checklist
- All player passports are with the team representative
- Team arrives ready at least 15 minutes before kickoff
- Two kits prepared (light + dark)
- Warm-up balls/equipment packed
- Team list & application form completed
- Parents/fans briefed: respect, discipline, no fighting
Document Safety Checklist (Prevents 3–0 losses)
- Every player has a valid passport available for inspection
- Player details match the submitted form (name, DOB, passport no.)
- Players are registered for one team only
- Goalkeepers are assigned correctly (no playing for two teams)
Mini Self-Check (Answer These Before You Register)
- Can you bring all passports to every match?
- Do you have two kits (light and dark) for color clashes?
- Is your staff ready to manage parents/fans discipline?
- Can you submit the Application Form with all required details?
If you answered “yes” to all four, you’re ready.

FAQ
Do we need passports at matches?
Yes. Passport checks are done before each match. If your team fails passport checks, you can receive a 3–0 technical defeat.
Can one club enter multiple teams?
Yes, clubs/academies/schools can enter multiple teams and multiple teams in the same age group, but each player may play for only one team.
Are substitutions limited?
No. Substitutions are unlimited, and substituted players may re-enter.
What happens if two teams have the same kit color?
The team listed second in the match schedule must change. Bring two kits.
If a knockout match ends in a draw?
Penalties: 5 players.
Copy & Send Registration Message (Fastest Way)
Copy this and send it to Sports City Antalya:
Subject: Antalya Friendship Cup 2026 Registration
Hello Sports City Antalya,
We would like to join Antalya Friendship Cup 2026.
- Club / Academy name:
- Country:
- Age group(s):
- Number of people (players + staff):
- Arrival date & time:
- Departure date & time:
- Contact person (name + phone/WhatsApp):
Thank you!




Tie-Breakers & Knockout Stage