The youth football tournament COTIF celebrates its 42nd edition in L'Alcúdia with eight top teams. Valencia CF, the most decorated, is the favourite following the absence of the reigning champion.
Valencia CF aims to add its seventh title in the COTIF, the youth football tournament that kicks off this Wednesday in L'Alcúdia. The Paterna-based team is the club with the most trophies in the history of the competition (six) and will seek to make amends for the defeat in the 2025 final against Argentina, a team that is not participating this year.
A Luxurious Line-up with Eight Teams
The 42nd edition of COTIF brings together eight teams divided into two groups. In Group A, Levante UD, Sevilla FC, the Morocco national team, and S.E.C. Brazil compete. In Group B, Valencia CF, Elche CF, CD Castellón, and the Mauritania national team are included.
The tournament, held every summer in L'Alcúdia, is considered one of the most prestigious in the world at lower categories. For Valencia CF, it represents an opportunity to reaffirm the good work of its academy, one of the most prolific in Spain.
Valencia, the King of Titles
Valencia CF is the most decorated club in COTIF history, with six titles and seven runner-up finishes. The Valencian team was unable to defend its title in 2025, when it lost in the final to the Argentina national team, which will not be present this year. Its absence leaves the tournament more open than ever.
The Paterna team arrives with the intention of reclaiming the lost throne. Among its ranks are several promising players who could potentially make the leap to the first team in the future. For many, COTIF is the first showcase for professional football.
The tournament is a unique opportunity for young talents to prove their worth in front of scouts from around the world, according to sources from the organisation.
A Tournament with History and Future
The COTIF has seen players who later succeeded at the elite level, such as David Villa and Isco. For fans in L'Alcúdia and surrounding areas, it is the sporting event of the summer, with daily matches and a festive atmosphere.
The competition will take place at the municipal field Els Arcs, which has a capacity for about 2,000 spectators. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or in advance online. Match times start at 18:00 hours.
For Valencia CF, every match will be a final. The team debuts this Thursday against CD Castellón. If they progress past the group stage, the semi-finals and final will be played in the last week of July. Valencia fans have an unmissable appointment with the future of their academy.
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