According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Arsenal have officially announced their 20-player under-16 squad for the 2026 Messi Cup in Miami, which commenced on Sunday, October 25. The competition provides an opportunity for the club’s emerging talents to test themselves against some of the strongest youth academies in international football.

Arsenal are set to face several respected clubs, including Barcelona, Palmeiras and Newell’s Old Boys. The tournament has grown significantly since its inaugural edition in 2025, increasing from eight participating teams to 16 this year. Alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are representing England against leading academies from Europe and South America.

The Gunners 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. All three matches are scheduled to be broadcast on Disney+ for viewers in the United Kingdom.

The competition’s structure ensures that every participating team will continue playing after the group stage. Teams finishing first or second in their respective groups will advance to the top-eight knockout bracket, while those placed third or fourth will enter the lower bracket. Each side will then participate in three additional matches to establish its final position in the tournament.

Arsenal’s confirmed squad features 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 players attracting attention because of his progress through Arsenal’s youth system. The youngster has already appeared for the club’s under-19 side and registered two goals and two assists in five appearances for the under-18 team this season.

Leo Aliadiere, whose father, Jeremie Aliadiere, previously played for Arsenal, has also gained experience at international youth level through England under-15 training camps. Meanwhile, Travis Chilard-Martin has represented both England and France at under-16 level this season, leaving his long-term international allegiance unresolved.

The Messi Cup offers Arsenal’s young players a valuable platform to develop their skills, gain international experience and demonstrate their abilities against elite academy opponents.