Sunderland are set to end their 27-year absence from the SuperCupNI tournament as the Black Cats are confirmed to take part this summer.
The Premier League side are set to be joined by some household names in the Boys' Premier section for the tournament which lasts from Sunday, July 26 to Friday, July 31.
Manchester United, who boast an illustrious history in the tournament as record winners of the Premier Section, will be aiming to add another title after finishing as runners-up last year.
The seven-time Boys’ Premier Section champions were narrowly beaten by Southampton in last year’s showpiece final. It marked the Saints’ first appearance since 2018, and they will return this year looking to defend their title.
Ballymena United 2013s players Cole Logan, Curtis McKeown, Mason Buxton and William Shannon are pictured at Ballintoy Harbour alongside Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms its 2026 Boys’ Premier Section line-up, featuring global heavyweights Manchester United and Sunderland, alongside Scottish giants Rangers and reigning champions Southamptonplaceholder image
Ballymena United 2013s players Cole Logan, Curtis McKeown, Mason Buxton and William Shannon are pictured at Ballintoy Harbour alongside Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms its 2026 Boys’ Premier Section line-up, featuring global heavyweights Manchester United and Sunderland, alongside Scottish giants Rangers and reigning champions Southampton
Scottish giants Rangers will be hoping to end their long wait for a trophy in this section with their last win coming back in 1992.
The Ghana based Right to Dream Academy make a return to the Budget Energy SuperCupNI with their last appearance coming back in 2019.
They will be joined by the USA’s Intercontinental FA and Mexican top flight side Tigres UANL, who were runners-up back in 2023.
There will be a number of newcomers in the Boys' Premier Section as Kamiura Gakuen from Japan and Florida-based Iconz FC join EFL side Derby County in making their tournament debuts.
As always, the local County representative squads will once again look to prove they can compete with some of the world’s top academies, continuing a proud tradition of challenging elite opposition on the global stage.
County Londonderry’s remarkable run in 2023 saw them lift the Premier title, while County Armagh pushed Brighton & Hove Albion all the way to penalties in the 2024 final.
County Down also came agonisingly close last year, narrowly losing out to Manchester United in the semi-final.
Sam Gamble, Tournament Coordinator at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: “The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is set to be one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments in our history.
"It's fantastic to welcome back another Premier League club in Sunderland after a 27-year absence as well as seeing world-renowned academy Right to Dream also make a return.
“Our mission has always been to provide the world’s most talented young footballers with a platform to develop, compete and showcase their abilities against elite opposition.
“The involvement of clubs of this calibre only reinforces the tournament’s status as a world-class platform for the next generation of stars.
“We look forward to welcoming teams, fans and scouts from across the world to Northern Ireland for what promises to be another unforgettable week of youth football.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan added: "The tournament generates a major economic boost for Causeway Coast and Glens, drawing thousands of visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing our spectacular coastline and hospitality to a worldwide audience.
“This year’s Premier Section line-up features some of the world’s most prestigious academies and reinforces the tournament’s global standing and the opportunities it creates for young players."