The Havaianas Cup 2026 is one of the Philippines’ premier youth football competitions, showcasing young talent from 56 teams across 7 age categories. Teams from Metro Manila and Pampanga will come together to compete in our festival-style tournament held in Manila.

Venue

UMAK (Click Here)

Schedule

Tournify (Click Here)

June 7, 2026

• 6:30 AM – 6:55 AM Warm up (U5, U7 & U9)

• 7:00 AM – 7:15 AM Opening ceremony (U5, U7 & U9)

• 7:15 AM – 7:25 AM Final prep (U5, U7 & U9)

• 7:30 AM – 10:55 AM (U5, U7 & U9)

• 11:15 AM – 2:40 PM (U15 & U17)

• 3:00 PM – 6:25 PM (U11 Boys & Girls)

All teams must arrive at least 1 hour before their scheduled start time. There will be no opening ceremony for U11, U15, U17.

U11, U15, and U17 teams may warm up on the track 1 hour before the first game. Each team will also be given 15 minutes of warm-up time on the turf before the first match.

Player Registration

Required player information includes:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Jersey number

• Waiver (per team, not per player)

Player Registration (Click Here)

Registration Deadline: May 30, 2026

Please make sure all submitted information is accurate. Players must wear the jersey number submitted during registration.

Age Categories

• U5 Mixed (2021/22)

• U7 Mixed (2019/20)

• U9 Mixed (2017/18)

• U11 Boys (2015/16)

• U11 Girls (2015/16)

• U15 Boys (2011/12)

• U17 Boys (2009/10)

Girls are permitted to play one (1) year down in the U5, U7, U9 Mixed, and U11 Boys categories. There will be no U13 category for this competition.

Tournament Format

• 3v3: U5 (No GK)

• 5v5: U7

• 7v7: U9, U11, U15, U17

Contact Info

The official Viber group will be used for tournament announcements and important reminders

Private questions from official team representatives can be directed to our Tournament Coordinator Juraj Mihalik +63 956 061 0526 via DIRECT MESSAGE.

Insurance / Responsibility

Make sure that all your players are insured both on and off the playing field. The organizers do not carry any group insurance protecting participants in case of injury, illness, theft, or damage to property. We will not be held liable or responsible for any damage or injury to any player or parent during the tournament.

Cancellation / Force Majeure

In the event that the tournament cannot be held, is delayed, or is postponed due to circumstances beyond the control of the organizers, including but not limited to severe weather, venue restrictions, government directives, safety concerns, force majeure events, or other unforeseen circumstances, the organizers shall not be held liable for any costs, damages, or losses incurred by participating teams.

The organizers reserve the right to make necessary decisions regarding postponement, schedule adjustment, venue flow, match timing, or tournament continuation in the best interest of safety, fairness, and tournament operations.

All matches in the Havaianas Cup shall be played in accordance with applicable sections of the FIFA Laws of the Game, except where modified below.

1. Team Eligibility

 A. Squad Size

 • Each team may register a maximum of 14 players (12 players for U7 category, 10 players for U5 category).

 • Matchday format: 7 players on the pitch (5 players for U7 category, 3 players for U5 category), 7 substitutes on the bench.

 • Rolling substitutions are allowed.

 B. Team Officials

 • Each team may register a maximum of 2 coaches/managers.

 • Only 2 team officials are allowed in the technical/pitch-side area at any time.

 • Each team may register 1 photographer/videographer only and they must remain in the designated area.

 C. Minimum Players to Start

 • A minimum of 5 players (3 players for U7 category, 2 players for U5 category) is required to start a match.

 • If a team fails to field at least 5 players (3 players for U7 category, 2 players for U5 category), the referee will allow a 4-minute grace period from the official match start (central timing horn).

 • Failure to meet the minimum requirement after 4 minutes will result in a walkover, awarded as 3–0 to the opponent.

2. Age Categories

 • U5 Mixed (2021/22)

 • U7 Mixed (2019/20)

 • U9 Mixed (2017/18)

 • U11 Boys (2015/16)

 • U11 Girls (2015/16)

 • U15 Boys (2011/12)

 • U17 Boys (2009/10)

Girls are permitted to play one (1) year down in the U5, U7, U9 Mixed, and U11 Boys categories. There will be no U13 category for this competition.

Compliance & Penalties

Fielding ineligible or overage players results in:

 • Ban of the player involved

 • All previous matches involving the team will be declared void and recorded as 3–0, regardless of the original scorelines.

 • All remaining matches will be played without the suspended player

 • Final ruling rests with the Tournament Committee

3. Player Equipment & Registration

Players must wear proper football attire including:

 • Football boots

 • Shin guards (mandatory)

Improperly equipped players will not be allowed to participate.

Each player must wear a unique jersey number matching registration records. Under no circumstances may players participate with conflicting jersey numbers.

4. Match Duration & Format

 • All matches (League, Cup, Ranking) are 18 minutes, continuous play, no half-time interval.

 • The Technical Committee may adjust match timing without prior notice.

 • Teams are responsible for tracking match schedules and arriving on time.

5. Tournament Format

 A. Group Stage

 • Teams are divided into groups of 4 teams each (2 groups per category).

  Points system:

   Win = 3 points

   Draw = 1 point

   Loss = 0 points

 B. Tie-Breakers (in order)

 • Goal Difference

 • Goals Scored

 • Goals Conceded

 • Head-to-head result

 • 3v3 Golden Goal

6. Knockout Stage Format

 A. Cup Competition

 • Top 2 teams per group qualify

 • Matches: 18 minutes, no interval

 • Format: Semi-finals → Final / 3rd place match

 B. Ranking Competition

 • Bottom 2 teams per group qualify

 • Matches: 18 minutes, no interval

 • Format: 3rd in Group A v 4th in Group B / 3rd in Group B v 4th in Group A → Battle for 5th Place / Battle for 7th Place

7. In-Game Substitutions

 • Rolling substitutions are allowed.

 • Substitutions may only occur when:

  ○ Ball is out of play OR

  ○ Dead ball situation

  ○ The player must fully exit before a substitute enters.

  ○ The referee must be notified before substitution.

8. Central Timing System

 • All matches are controlled by a central timing horn.

 • Teams must be at their designated pitch area and ready before the whistle.

 • All games will immediately end with the central horn.

 • Matches end only when:

  ○ Ball goes out of play, OR

  ○ Dead ball situation occurs after timing ends

 • Post-Horn Exception

  ○ If a penalty is awarded before play stops, it must be taken.

  ○ This applies only to penalties, not free kicks.

In the event of serious injuries or circumstances beyond our control, the organizing committee may make timing adjustments at its discretion.

9. Kick-Off & Offside Rules

 • Goals cannot be scored directly from kick-off.

 • At least one additional touch by another player is required before a goal counts.

 • No offside rule applies.

10. Draw Resolution (Knockouts Only – 3v3 Golden Goal System)

If a knockout match ends in a draw:

Phase 1: 3v3 Golden Goal

 • Each team nominates 3 players from those on the field at full time.

 • One must be designated goalkeeper (must wear a bib).

 • Kick-off via drop ball after ground contact.

 • Throw-ins apply during the 3v3 and 2v2 phases. The 1v1 phase changes to dribble-ins.

 • The first goal wins.

Reduction Phases

 • After 1 minute: reduce to 2v2*

 • After 2 minutes: reduce to 1v1*

*If the ball is still in play at the time of reduction, player removal will only occur at the next dead ball situation and not immediately on the 1-minute timer.

Special 1v1 Rules

 • Kick-ins: players must take a touch before shooting (dribble-in).

 • Direct free kicks: direct shots are permitted.

 • Indirect free kicks: an additional touch is required before shooting (players may dribble).

 • Goal kicks: direct scoring is permitted in all reduced formats (players may also dribble).

Discipline in Extra Time

 • Professional foul denying goal opportunity = automatic red card

 • Resulting advantage continues (team may play with fewer players)

3v3 Golden Goal Examples:

(short video - click here)

(full video - click here)

11. Fouls, Cards & Discipline

Refereeing

 • One referee per match

 • All decisions are final and non-protestable

Yellow Cards

 • 2 yellow cards = 1-match suspension

 • Reset after group stage

 • Second cumulative yellow in last group match carries into knockouts

 • Coaches: 2 yellows = 1-match suspension

Red Cards

 • Direct red = 1-match suspension

 • Applies to next match (including knockouts if applicable)

Coach sanctions:

 • Immediate removal from technical area

 • Suspension for next match

12. Indiscipline & Conduct

 • Fighting, abuse of officials, or property damage = tournament ban

 • Spectators must remain in designated areas

 • No access to pitchside or player zones

 • Aggressive parents/spectators will be removed immediately

 • Sideline coaching from spectators is strictly prohibited

If misconduct continues:

 • Referee may stop or abandon match

 • Incident will be escalated to Organizing Committee

13. Tournament Logistics & Operations

 A. Team Waiting Area (MANDATORY)

  Each team will be assigned a designated waiting area per field layout

  Purpose:

   • Maintain smooth tournament flow

   • Easy identification and match coordination

Teams are still responsible for monitoring schedule and moving to pitch on time.

 B. Arrival to Pitch (STRICT)

 • Teams must be at their designated field 5 minutes before kickoff

 • Failure to arrive on time may result in automatic forfeiture

 • Teams not ready at kickoff will be penalized under the 4-minute rule (see Section 1.C)

 C. Warm-Up Rules

 • U5, U7, U9: 25 minutes of warm-up time on the turf before the first match

 • U11, U15, U17: 15 minutes of warm-up time on the turf before the first match. The track area may be utilized prior to this.

 • Track warm-up areas are designated as per the field layout.

 • Late arrival reduces warm-up time (no extensions will be given)

 D. Spectator Restrictions

 • No parents or non-players are allowed inside the field areas

 • Players must bring their own water bottles/tumblers, as access to parents during matches will be restricted

 • Players are discouraged from leaving the pitch area during matches to access parents

 E. Media Access

 • Official media/photographers must secure a Media Pass issued by G8 Organizing Committee

 • Unauthorized media will not be allowed pitch access

 F. Drones Policy

 • Drone usage is strictly prohibited unless explicitly approved

 • Approval must be granted by the Organizing Committee in writing prior to the event

 • Unauthorized drone usage may result in removal from venue and cancellation of privileges

14. Medical & Safety

 • A medical team will be present at all venues

 • Open wounds must receive immediate treatment

 • Players may only return once bleeding has stopped

 • Organizers are not liable for injury, loss, or damage during the tournament

 • Participation implies acceptance of all risks by players/guardians

15. Fixture Changes & Rescheduling

 • Matches may be rescheduled at organizer’s discretion

 • Match times may change without prior notice

16. Final Authority & Amendments

 • Rules may be updated, added, or modified by the Organizing Committee at any time

 • The Tournament Technical Committee’s decision is final in all matters

 • No protests or appeals against the final decisions of the Tournament Technical Committee will be entertained under any circumstance.

17. Complaints & Tournament Queries

 • In the event of any complaints, clarifications, or tournament-related concerns, only one (1) official representative per academy is allowed to approach the Committee Table.

 • The authorized representative must be either a registered coach or team manager only.

 • Parents and spectators are strictly not allowed to approach the Committee Table or Tournament Officials for complaints or queries.

 • All concerns from parents must be communicated through the official team representative.

This policy is in place to ensure that:

 • All concerns are properly received and recorded

 • Tournament operations remain smooth and uninterrupted

 • The ongoing schedule and match flow are not disrupted

18. Tournament Structure & Key Roles

To ensure smooth operations, safety, and strict adherence to schedule, the following organizational structure will be implemented throughout the Havaianas Cup:

 A. Tournament Committee - The Tournament Committee is the highest operational authority of the competition and is responsible for overall management of the event.

  Responsibilities include:

  • Overall coordination of the tournament

  • Field setup and venue management

  • Implementation and enforcement of game rules and policies

  • Scheduling and fixture management

  • Match result validation and official scorekeeping

  • Ensuring player and participant safety standards are met

  • Final decision-making on all disputes and operational matters

 B. Field Marshals - Each pitch will have a designated Field Marshal assigned to oversee match operations.

  Responsibilities include:

  • Guiding teams to their correct field and match timing

  • Ensuring teams are present and ready according to schedule

  • Coordinating match flow between consecutive games

  • Collecting and confirming match scores from referees

  • Assisting in maintaining order and pace of matches on their assigned field

 C. Referees - Referees are the official match authorities on the field of play.

  Responsibilities include:

  • Enforcing the FIFA Laws of the Game and Havaianas Cup modifications

  • Managing match conduct and ensuring fair play

  • Controlling match start, stoppage, and restart decisions

  • Issuing disciplinary actions (yellow/red cards)

  • Ensuring player safety during gameplay

  • Submitting official match reports and final scores

  All decisions made by referees during a match are final and non-protestable.

 D. Ball Retrievers - Ball Retrievers are assigned around each field to ensure continuous match flow.

  Responsibilities include:

  • Retrieving balls that go out of play promptly

  • Ensuring match balls are returned quickly to minimize downtime

  • Supporting referees and field marshals in maintaining game tempo

  • Keeping spare balls available and properly positioned around the field

  • Ensuring balls are not misused in spectator or non-playing areas

 E. Stand Marshals - Stand Marshals manage team movement between waiting areas, warm-up zones, and match fields.

  Responsibilities include:

  • Directing teams from designated stands/waiting areas to warm-up zones or fields

  • Ensuring teams follow scheduled movement times strictly

  • Preventing congestion around fields and entry points

  • Supporting overall schedule discipline and flow between matches

  • Assisting Field Marshals in maintaining order during transitions