CHICAGO (March 6, 2024) - Chicago Fire FC today announced that two age groups of the Chicago Fire Academy are set to compete in the annual Generation adidas Cup. The premier international youth tournament will feature representation from every MLS academy and 49 different club academies from a record-breaking 15 countries spanning four different continents. A total of 80 teams, 40 in each age group (U-17 and U-15), will compete at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., from March 30-April 7.
The U-17 Chicago Fire Academy was placed in Group E, where it will compete against MLS academies San Jose Earthquakes, CF Montréal, and Dutch academy AZ Alkmaar. The U-15 Academy was placed in Group G, where it is scheduled to face the Vancouver Whitecaps, New York City FC, and Danish academy Brøndby IF.
Chicago Fire Academy’s U-17 team will begin play against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, March 30 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The following day, the U-17's face CF Montréal on Sunday, March 31 at 2:30 p.m. CT. They’ll conclude group stage play against AZ Alkmaar on Monday, April 1 at 2 p.m. CT. The U-15 Academy will open the competition against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, March 30 at 9 a.m. CT. The next morning, the U-15's will take on New York City FC at 9 a.m. CT. Group stage action will conclude on Monday, April 1 against Brøndby IF at 9 a.m. CT.
The tournament has been a springboard for young talents who have gone on to shine on the international stage. Players like Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes / C.D. Guadalajara), Taha Habroune (Columbus Crew), and Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire FC / Chelsea FC) have showcased their skills in past editions with each proving to be impactful for the U.S. Youth National Teams at both the 2023 FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups. Notable international players who have starred at a Generation adidas Cup include 2022 FIFA World Cup winners Julián Álvarez (River Plate / Manchester City) and Enzo Fernández (River Plate / Chelsea), 18-year-old breakout midfielder Kobie Mainoo (Manchester United), Brazilian international Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo / West Ham United), and many more future stars.
Competition Structure
Forty teams, organized into 10 groups of four, will compete in each of the two age groups. Group draws will be random, utilizing buckets categorized by division for MLS academies, while international clubs will be drawn randomly. Sixteen teams will advance to the single-elimination championship bracket—comprising the 10 group winners and the top-six second-place finishers. The next-best 16 teams will enter a consolation bracket, with the final eight teams competing in consolation groups to provide more competitive matches.
All teams competing in the 2024 Generation adidas Cup are guaranteed to play seven 60-minute matches, comprised of two 30-minute halves. The championship matches in both age groups will be extended to 70-minute matches. All contests that are tied at the end of regulation will go directly to a penalty-kick shootout.
- 2024 Generation adidas Cup schedule and standings will be available HERE.
After the conclusion of the tournament, awards will be presented in both age groups, recognizing the Generation adidas Cup Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer, and the Generation adidas Cup Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate. The Generation adidas Cup Rising XI presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink will highlight the top-performing players from each position at the competition.
The Chicago Fire Academy’s full schedule can be found below:
U-17 Academy
Saturday, March 30 vs. San Jose Earthquakes – 2:30 p.m. CT – IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
Sunday, March 31 vs. CF Montréal – 2:30 p.m. CT – IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
Monday, April 1 vs. AZ Alkmaar – 2 p.m. CT – IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
U-15 Academy
Saturday, March 30 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 9 a.m. CT – IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
Sunday, March 31 vs. New York City FC – 9 a.m. CT – IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
Monday, April 1 vs. Brøndby IF – 9 a.m. CT – IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
