Youth football in Costa Rica reaches a new international milestone. For the first time in history, Costa Rica will be represented by a youth national team at the Youth World Cup New York 2026, an international tournament gathering young talent from 48 countries.

 A Global Stage

The tournament will feature promising young players competing in two specific age groups:

  U-10: Players born in 2016 and 2017.

  U-12: Players born in 2014 and 2015.

The event will take place in New York City shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, serving as an ideal platform to highlight future Costa Rican football talent in front of international scouts and academies.

Tournament Format and Opponents

The Costa Rican squad is guaranteed to play a minimum of six matches during the opening stage of the tournament.

 Costa Rica’s Group Stage:

The team has been placed in a competitive group alongside:

  Portugal

  Luxembourg

  Colombia

Based on their group stage performance, teams will advance to knockout rounds in either the Gold Division or Silver Division.

 How to Follow the Action

Fans and families can stay updated on the Costa Rican delegation’s progress through the official Instagram handle (@cr_youthwc) and the official tournament website ([www.youthworldcupny.com](https://www.youthworldcupny.com )).