According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Arsenal have officially announced their 20-man under-16 squad for the 2026 Messi Cup in Miami, with the tournament getting underway on Sunday, October 25.

The Gunners are set to compete against some of the world's top youth academies, including Barcelona, Palmeiras and Newell's Old Boys, as their young players prepare to showcase their abilities on the international stage.

The competition has grown significantly since its inaugural edition in 2025, expanding from eight participating teams to 16 this year. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City will represent England in a tournament that also features several prominent clubs from Europe and South America.

Arsenal will open their group-stage campaign against Newell's Old Boys on Sunday before taking on Barcelona on Monday, October 26. Their final group fixture will be against Palmeiras on Tuesday, October 27. According to the report, all three matches will be broadcast on Disney+ in the United Kingdom.

The tournament format ensures that every team continues competing beyond the group stage. Clubs that finish first or second in their respective groups will advance to the top-eight knockout bracket, while those in third and fourth place will enter the lower bracket. Each team will then play three knockout matches to determine its final position in the competition.

Arsenal's confirmed 20-man squad includes Albie Shea, Kendrick Van Djoy, Jaden Maghoma, Abdul Zakari, Travis Chilard-Martin, Giovahn Jones, Reiss Tweneboa Kodua, Darius Odeyemi, Max Chuderski, Blake Day King, 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 young players attracting attention ahead of the tournament after making progress beyond his age group. The youngster has already featured for Arsenal's under-19 side and has registered two goals and two assists in five appearances for the under-18s this season.

Another player to watch is Leo Aliadiere, the son of former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere, who has previously participated in England's under-15 training camps.

Meanwhile, Travis Chilard-Martin has represented both England and France at under-16 level this season, meaning his long-term international allegiance remains undecided.

The Messi Cup offers Arsenal's promising youngsters an important opportunity to gain international experience, develop their skills and measure themselves against some of the best academy teams in world football.