According to a report by Football London on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Arsenal have announced their under 16 squad for the 2026 Messi Cup, which begins on Sunday in Miami, United States.

The tournament has expanded to 16 teams this year after featuring eight clubs during its first edition in 2025. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City will represent England against some of the leading youth academies from Europe and South America.

Arsenal will begin their group stage campaign against Newell’s Old Boys on Sunday before facing Barcelona on Monday. Their final group match will be against Brazilian side Palmeiras on Tuesday.

All three matches are scheduled for 16:30 Eastern Daylight Time. Supporters in the United Kingdom should check the latest broadcast schedules because the time difference will change when British clocks go back during the tournament.

Fans in the UK can watch Arsenal’s group matches live on Disney+. The competition will give the young Gunners an opportunity to test their abilities against some of the best emerging talents in international football.

The top two teams in each group will qualify for the upper knockout bracket, while teams finishing third and fourth will compete in the lower bracket to determine their final positions.

Arsenal’s confirmed squad includes Albie Shea, Kendrick Van Djoy, Jaden Maghoma, Abdul Zakari, Travis Chilard Martin, Giovahn Jones, Reiss Tweneboa Kodua, Darius Odeyemi, Max Chuderski and Blake Day King.

The other selected players are Jayden Anidi, Fletcher McBryde, Beau Luton, Isaiah Matthews, Kayden Joseph, Leo Aliadiere, Khamil Hall, Jayce Smith, Onye Asiegbu and Frankie Wyatt.

Jaden Maghoma is one of the players attracting attention after gaining experience with Arsenal’s under-19s. He has also recorded two goals and two assists in five under-18 appearances this season.

Leo Aliadiere, son of former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere, has previously attended England under 15 training camps. Meanwhile, Travis Chilard Martin has represented both England and France at under-16 level this season.

The Messi Cup offers Arsenal’s young players valuable experience against international opposition. Strong performances in Miami could help them develop further and improve their chances of progressing through the club’s academy system.