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

There were eight teams in the first competition in 2025, but this year there are sixteen. The English national teams will face off against top academies from Europe and South America, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City representing England.

Arsenal will face Newell's Old Boys on Sunday to kick off their group stage campaign, and then they'll face Barcelona on Monday. On Tuesday, they will face Brazilian club Palmeiras in their last group match, capping off a difficult three-match slate.

The three Arsenal group games are set to start at 16:00 Eastern Daylight Time, though there seems to be a slight discrepancy in the timings shown on UK broadcast listings. While the tournament is underway, British clocks will change, so fans should check the most up-to-date schedules.

Disney+ will broadcast all three of Arsenal's group stage matches live in the UK. Competing in the tournament gives the young Gunners a chance to showcase their skills against players from prestigious football academies around the world.

If Arsenal are one of the top two teams in their group, they will advance to the knockout stage, which is comprised of the top eight teams in the standings. Teams will compete in the lower bracket to determine their final standings if they finish third or fourth.

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 are all named to Arsenal's official roster.

Additionally, Isaiah Matthews, Beau Luton, Jayce Smith, Leo Aliadiere, Frankie Wyatt, Fletcher McBryde, and Jayden Anidi are among the players chosen. They are hoping to make an impression despite facing stiff international competition.

One member of the squad with experience beyond his years is Jaden Maghoma. With five appearances under the age of eighteen this season, he scored twice and set up another in his time with Arsenal's under-19 squad.

The son of former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere, Leo Aliadiere has gone to England under-15 camps before. At the same time, Travis Chilard-Martin has been an intriguing international prospect since he has played for both England and France at the under-16 level this season.

The Messi Cup is a great opportunity for Arsenal's youth teams to gain exposure and experience. If a number of players have a strong showing in Miami, it might boost their chances of getting noticed and moving up the club's academy system.