A 21-player squad will represent FC Madras at an international tournament featuring clubs and academies from across the world.
FC Madras is set to take its footballing journey beyond India once again, with a 21-player squad travelling to China for the 4th Hooray Cup 2026 International Youth Football Tournament.
A world-class stage in Zhangzhou
Hosted at the Hooray International Football Training Base in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, the tournament will take place from 1 to 8 October 2026, bringing together youth teams from some of the world’s most competitive footballing environments.
FC Madras will be part of an international field featuring Red Bull Bragantino (Brazil), Getafe CF (Spain), FC Zenit (Russia), Jagiellonia Bialystok (Poland), Sonny Guadarrama Academy (USA), Korat Bull (Thailand), and Yeongdeok FC (Republic of Korea). The tournament will also feature teams representing several Chinese provinces and cities, including Hubei, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Henan, Fujian, Tianjin, Beijing and Chongqing.
More than an opportunity to compete
For the FC Madras players, the tournament represents more than an opportunity to compete. It is a chance to experience different footballing cultures, test themselves against international opposition and gain valuable exposure in a competitive global environment.
The 21-player squad has been finalised by the FC Madras Technical Team, with a dedicated technical and support staff contingent accompanying the players.
The journey
The delegation will depart from India on 28 September and return to the FC Madras academy on 10 October, making the trip an important part of the players’ development both on and off the pitch.
China will be the next stage of the journey.
The official tournament fixtures are expected to be released on 30 September. Once confirmed, FC Madras will announce its opponents, match timings and venues.
As FC Madras continues to build pathways that take its young players beyond the academy and into international footballing environments, China will be the next stage of the journey.
