THE BEST U12 PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

The U-12 Junior Soccer World Challenge is a unique global soccer tournament that gives young players the chance to play on an elite stage and face some of the most renowned youth academies in the world, including FC Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool FC. Since its launch in 2013, top teams from around the world have been invited to compete at the annual event in Japan. This is the 2nd year a U.S. Qualifier will take place, where the winning U12 team will receive a paid trip to Japan and represent North America at the 2018 U-12 World Challenge Final.

U12WC USA Qualifiers
July 12, 14 and 15, 2018 | OC Great Park, Irvine, CA

TEAM APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Tournament History

U-12 JUNIOR SOCCER WORLD CHALLENGE 2017

2017 was the 1st year both the winner of the US Qualifier and the SOLTILO World Allstars joined the tournament. A very good Pateadores group from Orange County, CA finished 3rd in a tough group and did not advance to the championship bracket. The SOLTILO World Allstars finished 1st in their group and placed 5th overall. The 2017 final was once again won by FC Barcelona after a hard fought 2-1 game against the JFA All Stars.

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U-12 JUNIOR SOCCER WORLD CHALLENGE 2016

The tournament took place for the 4th time in 2016. During 4 days, between August 25 and August 28, a total of 16 participating teams, among which were FC Barcelona (Spain) and Manchester City (England) tournament. The final tournament was played between FC Barcelona and Omiya Ardija, with a final result of 1-0 for the whole of Barcelona, who won for the third time the tournament.

At the end of the tournament final, Omiya Squirrel players covered with tears for defeat, were comforted one by one by FC Barcelona players. Such action by FC Barcelona players was not only highly applauded in Japan but also around the world.

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U-12 JUNIOR SOCCER WORLD CHALLENGE 2015

The 3rd tournament in 2015 included FC Barcelona, RCD Espanyol from Spain, Deportivo Camioneros from Argentine, and Vietnam U-12 National Team. The tournament was held from the 27th to 30th of August, 2015. Two time champion FC Barcelona was defeated by Tokyo U-12 in one of the semifinals. In the final, Tokyo U-12 and RCD Espanyol went into extra time. Eventually RCD Espanyol won the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout.

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U-12 JUNIOR SOCCER WORLD CHALLENGE 2014

In the 2nd year of the tournament it grew to 16 teams. In 2014, FC Barcelona, A.C. Milan, and Asiop Apacinti from Indonesia joined the tournament. Along with these international clubs, many J-League academies competed in the tournament. The tournament was held from the 28th to 31st of August, 2014. FC Barcelona was again crowned champion.

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U-12 JUNIOR SOCCER WORLD CHALLENGE 2013

The 1st U-12 World Challenge tournament was held in 2013. 12 teams competed over 4 days, from the 27th to 31st of August, 2013. The final match was FC Barcelona vs Liverpool FC with FC Barcelona being crowned World Challenge Champion.

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