IFA Shield U-15 International — Madhavan Sports Venture

About the Tournament

Building the Future
of Football

The IFA Shield U-15 International brings together elite academies and national teams for fifteen days of world-class competition in Kolkata. A carefully designed structure guarantees meaningful minutes, real exposure and an unforgettable stage for the next generation.

Player Development International Exposure Cultural Exchange

Dates

1 – 13 December 2026

Host City

Kolkata, India

A Living Legend,
Reborn in Kolkata

First contested in 1893, the IFA Shield is among the oldest football tournaments on earth — a trophy woven into the history of the world game. We are reviving its spirit as a premier stage for U-15 talent, preserving a legacy while building the future.

"Where heritage meets the next generation."

Years of Legacy

First Contested

Nations Represented

Tournament Highlights

Built to Feel World-Class

Every detail of the format is engineered to give young players the experience of a major international tournament.

Players

A full 20-player squad per team, built for a demanding fifteen-day campaign.

11v11

Full-Sided

Genuine eleven-a-side competition on full pitches, refereed by four match officials.

25'

Per Half

Age-appropriate 25-minute halves keep intensity high and player welfare first.

11+

Matches Guaranteed

Every team plays a minimum of eleven matches — real minutes, real exposure.

Days

A fifteen-day festival of football, hospitality and cultural exchange in Kolkata.

Officials

Four qualified officials per fixture uphold the standard of an international stage.

Tournament Structure

The Road to the Final

A well-defined pathway from group play to a grand final — designed for high-quality matches, broad participation and meaningful exposure.

Stage 01

League Stage

Round-robin groups. Every team is guaranteed a full run of competitive fixtures.

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Stage 02

Round of 8

The top sides advance to a knockout quarter-final under the lights.

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Stage 03

Semi-Final

Four teams, two ties — the last step before the showpiece.

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Stage 04

The Final

A grand final to crown the champions of the revived IFA Shield.

11+Matches guaranteed for every team

Built On Four Pillars

Why Participate

Together, let's build a stronger footballing future. Every fixture, ceremony and partnership is anchored to four guiding principles.

Legacy

Compete for a trophy first contested in 1893 — a place in football history.

Youth Development

Elite match experience and coaching that nurtures U-15 talent for the long term.

International Exposure

Indian academies meet clubs from around the world — every match streamed and scouted.

Football Ecosystem

Strengthening the pathway of clubs, coaches, scouts and associations around the game.

The Host City

Kolkata — The Mecca of Indian Football

Home to some of the world's most passionate football crowds and historic clubs, Kolkata is where the IFA Shield belongs. The tournament celebrates the city's living football culture on a global stage.

Stadium Capacity

Historic Grounds

On The Pitch