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

The Gunners will compete against some of the world's leading academies, including Barcelona, Palmeiras and Newell's Old Boys, as their youngsters look to impress on the international stage.

The competition has expanded from eight participating teams in its inaugural 2025 edition to 16 this year. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are representing England in a tournament featuring several prominent clubs from Europe and South America.

Arsenal will begin their group-stage campaign against Newell's Old Boys on Sunday before facing Barcelona on Monday, October 26. Their final group match will be against Palmeiras on Tuesday, October 27. All three fixtures are scheduled for broadcast on Disney+ in the United Kingdom.

The tournament's format guarantees further matches after the group stage. Teams finishing first or second in their groups will enter the top-eight knockout bracket, while those finishing third or fourth will compete in the lower bracket. Each team will subsequently play three knockout matches to determine its final tournament position.

Arsenal's confirmed squad consists of 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 among the youngsters attracting attention after progressing beyond his age group. He has already featured 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 forward Jeremie Aliadiere, has previously attended England under-15 camps. Meanwhile, Travis Chilard-Martin has represented both England and France at under-16 level this season, leaving his international future undecided.

The Messi Cup presents an opportunity for Arsenal's promising youngsters to gain valuable experience and demonstrate their potential against elite academy opposition.