Ukraine is represented at the international Magic Cup 2026 tournament in the USA by FC KOPA — a children's football team from the Orphan Care Center of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, which unites orphans, half-orphans, war victims' children, and internally displaced persons. FC KOPA has been given the opportunity to participate in this prestigious international tournament because the team is a one-time world champion among orphanage teams.

"Children are the most valuable thing we have. It is very important to create opportunities for them to develop, dream and believe in their own strength. I am glad that I could support FC KOPA's participation in Magic Cup, as such projects help children discover new horizons and grow in football." - Andriy Shevchenko, President of the Ukrainian Football Association (UFA). 
 

Photo: UFA


Magic Cup is a new international football tournament. One of the main partners and sponsors of the event is Disney, which supports the project as part of its own program for developing and supporting sports among children and youth.

The tournament takes place at the legendary ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex — one of the most famous sports centers in the USA. The competition brings together U12/U13 teams (born between 2013 and 2014) in a 7-a-side format.

Magic Cup positions itself as a global platform that unites football academies and grassroots teams from around the world, providing children with equal opportunities regardless of their background or social status. The tournament supports the UN initiative Football for the Goals and uses football as a tool for leadership development, inclusiveness, and social impact. Matches are broadcast on ESPN, while the tournament itself serves as the basis for a documentary series.

Among this year's participants are academies from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Boca Juniors, as well as teams from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Congo, Barbados and other countries. Official ambassadors of Magic Cup include football legends Andriy Shevchenko, Javier Zanetti, Ronaldo and Iván Córdoba.

Photo: UFA


The football project "KOPA" was born as an opportunity to give children an alternative to the streets, help them find new friends, develop through sports and feel supported. Over time, it has grown into a full-fledged football team that is not only sporting but also a significant social and rehabilitation project.

For many children, football has become a tool for psychological recovery, discipline development, teamwork and confidence in their own abilities. The team regularly participates in international social and sports initiatives and is a one-time world champion among orphanage teams.

In the group stage of Magic Cup 2026, Ukraine's team will face Portuguese "Benfica," English "Manchester City" and Leoni Di Potrero — a sports and charitable project founded by Inter Milan legends Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.

The final of the tournament and award ceremony will take place on June 5.

For Ukrainian children, participation in Magic Cup is not only an opportunity to play against peers from leading academies around the world but also a chance to represent Ukraine on the international stage, gain invaluable experience and once again prove that Ukrainian children can compete at the highest level.

We support the team FC KOPA! Follow tournament news on UFA's social media.