Kigali will once again become a regional hub for youth football when the 4th Kigali Iteen International Cup takes place from December 16–18, 2026, bringing together academies and youth teams from across East Africa and beyond.
Held under the theme “We Play, We Enjoy It,” the three-day tournament will feature six age categories — U-6, U-8, U-10, U-12, U-15 and U-17 — giving young players aged between six and 18 an opportunity to compete on an international platform.
The tournament, hosted by Iteen Soccer Academy, will be staged at Kigali Pele Stadium and Tapis Rouge Stadium, with teams from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and other countries expected to participate.
Organisers say preparations are already underway, with clubs, academies and other youth football teams encouraged to begin registration early.
Each team will pay US$150 per age category, meaning clubs entering multiple age groups will pay separately for each category.
Jimmy Waswa The Organiser
Registration fees can be paid through Iteen International Ltd, Equity Bank Rwanda, account 4015201347032, or Iteen Soccer Academy, Equity Bank Uganda, account 1025203262052.
For registration and further information, organisers can be contacted on +250 791 735 347 or +256 778 897 812.
According to tournament organisers, the Kigali Iteen International Cup is designed not only as a competitive championship but also as a platform for young footballers to gain international exposure and demonstrate their abilities in front of coaches, scouts and agents.
“The Iteen International Cup offers a unique platform for youngsters to showcase their full potential at the international level. It is a thrilling tournament where talents are born,” Wasswa said.
The tournament will also recognise outstanding performances, with the best teams and players set to receive trophies, plaques, footballs, jerseys and other prizes.
Uganda has previously been represented at the competition by KCCA Soccer Academy, while Proline and other academies are expected to join the Ugandan contingent for the 2026 edition.
With scouts and football agents traditionally forming part of the tournament’s audience, organisers believe the fourth edition will provide another important opportunity for emerging talents to gain visibility beyond their home countries.
As Kigali prepares to host another festival of youth football, the organisers are calling on academies and clubs across the region to register early and give their young players a chance to play, enjoy the game and compete on an international stage.
