According to a report by Football London on Sunday October 25, 2026, Arsenal have officially announced their under-16 squad for the 2026 Messi Cup, with the international youth tournament beginning on Sunday, October 25, in Miami, United States.

The competition has expanded to 16 teams this year after featuring eight participants during its inaugural edition in 2025. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City will represent England against leading academies from Europe and South America.

Arsenal’s group-stage campaign begins against Newell’s Old Boys on Sunday, followed by a meeting with Barcelona on Monday. Their final group fixture will be against Brazilian club Palmeiras on Tuesday, completing three challenging matches.

All three Arsenal group games are scheduled for 16:30 Eastern Daylight Time, although UK broadcast listings show slightly different timings. Supporters should check the latest schedules because the clocks change in Britain during the tournament.

Fans in the United Kingdom can watch Arsenal’s three group-stage matches live on Disney+. The tournament offers the young Gunners an opportunity to test themselves against talented players from some of the world’s most respected football academies.

If Arsenal finish among the top two teams in their group, they will enter the knockout bracket involving the eight highest-ranked sides. Finishing third or fourth would place them in the lower bracket, where teams will compete to determine their final standings.

The confirmed Arsenal 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.

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. The group will hope to impress against strong international opposition.

Jaden Maghoma is among the squad members with experience beyond his age group. He has already appeared for Arsenal’s under-19s and recorded two goals and two assists in five under-18 appearances this season.

Leo Aliadiere, the 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, leaving his international future an interesting development to follow.

The Messi Cup provides Arsenal’s youngsters with valuable experience and exposure. Strong performances in Miami could help several players attract attention and strengthen their prospects of progressing through the club’s academy system.