Lanzarote International Cup 2026 consolidates the island on the world map of grassroots football

The Spínola Palace hosted the official presentation of an edition that will bring together more than 120 teams and thousands of visitors on the island.

The Lanzarote International Cup kicked off its third edition today with the celebration of its official presentation event at the Spínola Palace, in La Villa de Teguise, in an event that brought together institutional representatives, organizers and prominent figures in football.

The tournament, which It will be held from June 17 to 21, bringing together more than 120 teams in the Benjamin, Alevín and Infantil categoriesconsolidating its position as one of the major events in international youth football. Furthermore, the arrival of more than 10,000 visitors during the competition days, with a significant impact on the local economy.

The event was attended by the Councillor for Physical Activity and Sports of the Lanzarote Island Council, Juan Monzón; the Minister of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands, Poli Suárez; the mayor of Teguise, Olivia Duque; the managing director of Promotur Turismo de Islas Canarias, José Juan Lorenzo; as well as the event organizers, Pedro Cabrera and Mercedes Pérez.

The president of the Lanzarote Island Council, Oswaldo BetancortHe, who was unable to attend the press conference due to scheduling conflicts, stated that this event “represents the identity of our island and our exceptional capacity to host top-level sporting events.” “Being able to witness firsthand how the children of our island compete against the best youth teams in the world is a unique experience, one they will cherish for a lifetime and that I am certain they will never forget.”

During his speech, Juan Monzón He affirmed that the Lanzarote International Cup “is an enviable event not only regionally, but also nationally and internationally.” “Just a few years ago, it was unthinkable that the island’s seven municipalities could host an event of this magnitude, with teams from different parts of the world competing against our own—a true dream.” Furthermore, Monzón congratulated the organizers of this event, “which has demonstrated its ability to improve year after year.” “The Island Sports Service will support, now and always, this event that combines competition, fun, and camaraderie among different countries,” he noted.

For their part, Poli Suárez He emphasized that this tournament “once again demonstrates the Canary Islands’ capacity to host competitions of international stature.” He also noted that “initiatives of this caliber, which bring together some of the best clubs in the world, represent a magnificent opportunity to continue promoting grassroots sport and allow our children to share experiences with international role models.” Suárez also congratulated the organizers “for having managed, in just three editions, to consolidate this tournament within the international youth football scene.”

Olivia Duque He emphasized that "the impact the tournament has on the municipalities is very significant, not only from a sporting point of view, but also a social one, due to its ability to involve the entire island in a common project that unites institutions, clubs and citizens."

In addition, José Juan Lorenzo He emphasized that the Lanzarote International Cup has established itself as “a great showcase for the advantages of the Canary Islands in general, and Lanzarote in particular, as a top-tier sports destination.” The managing director also highlighted the work done by Turismo de Islas Canarias (Canary Islands Tourism) to consolidate a broad calendar of events through sponsorships, explaining that “from 2021 until the first half of 2026, we allocated €54.4 million to 966 events,” an investment which, combined with that of other public and private entities, has generated an overall impact of nearly €291 million.

From the organization, Pedro Cabrera He noted that "this edition represents a qualitative leap at all levels, both in participation and international projection." Mercedes PérezHe, for his part, emphasized that “this tournament demonstrates what we are capable of when we work together. Lanzarote International Cup is an island project in which clubs, institutions and companies row in the same direction to build something that transcends football.”

The event also included a round table discussion in which the sports journalist participated. Tomás Roncero, next to Paco Lobato, Jonathan Sesma and Antonio Guayrewho analyzed the growth of grassroots football and the role of tournaments like the Lanzarote International Cup in the development of young talent.

An island transformed into a grand sports arena

The Lanzarote International Cup 2026 will be played on 12 football pitches distributed throughout the municipalities of the island, turning Lanzarote into a great sporting stage and promoting the territorial revitalization of the event.

Among the confirmed clubs are top-level teams such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia CF, Athletic Club, Real Betis and Sevilla FC, alongside major international clubs such as Manchester City, AC Milan, Juventus, Torino FC, FC Porto and SL Benfica, which guarantees a high level of competitiveness and a great international projection.

Economic impact and legacy

In its previous edition, held in 2025, the Lanzarote International Cup It generated an economic impact exceeding 10 million eurosconsolidating itself as a key driver for the local economy and a benchmark in the promotion of sports tourism.

The tournament also promotes values such as inclusion and respect, while positioning Lanzarote as a leading destination. attracting a qualified tourism linked to sports and family experiences.

Beyond sport

The meeting reinforces its commitment to a management model aligned with the SDGs and the Canary Islands Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, incorporating measures in both the environmental and social spheres.

In environmental matters, the collaboration agreement with the Arrecife Natura Association to promote actions for the preservation and regeneration of the natural environment, as well as to foster awareness among participants, visitors and citizens.

Added to this is the continuity of a plan of measures aimed at reducing the impact of the eventThese measures include the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in internal operations, the optimization of team transportation, and a commitment to reusable materials. Priority will also be given to local suppliers, and the selective collection of waste will be coordinated with public authorities to ensure its proper treatment.

In the social sphere, the tournament will take an important step forward with the launch of the initiative “Barrier-Free Assistance Services”, a protocol that will facilitate access and participation for people with invisible disabilities, including priority routes and specific training for staff and volunteers.

Furthermore, the event continues to strengthen its charitable aspect, allocating 100% of the proceeds from the final to social entities on the islandAt the same time, it will incorporate, together with the association LanzaroTEAAwareness-raising activities on neurodiversity in communication and development. This commitment is complemented by the establishment, in collaboration with the Lanzarote Island Council, of the Orange Dot as a reference space for the support and guidance of people with disabilities or specific needs.

This event is made possible thanks to the institutional support of Department of Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands, Canary Islands Tourism, the Lanzarote Island Council, the Island Sports Service, Lanzarote Tourism, the Art, Culture and Tourism Centers, as well as the seven municipalities of the island.