NORDIC CUP 2026 – TOURNAMENT RULES & REGULATIONS

I. General Provisions

The Nordic Cup 2026 is an international youth football tournament organized in Riga, Latvia, on 31 October – 1 November 2026. The tournament is played according to the current FIFA Laws of the Game, except where otherwise specified in these regulations. In case of any conflict between FIFA regulations and the Nordic Cup Tournament Rules, the Nordic Cup Rules shall prevail.

II. Tournament Categories and Match Format

AGE GROUP FORMAT MATCH DURATION LEVELS NUMBER OF TEAMS
2015 9v9 22min A & B 20 teams
2016 7v7 22min A & B 20 teams
2017 7v7 22min A & B 24-32 teams
2018 5v5 17min A & B 24-32 teams
2019 5v5 17min A & B 24-32 teams

Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 8-9 matches during the tournament.All matches are played on indoor football pitches.

III. Eligible Players and Age Verification

Player registration must be completed electronically before the tournament begins. Only registered players are eligible to participate.

All players must carry a valid passport or national ID card for age verification purposes.

Use of Older Players

The following exceptions are permitted:

  • Age groups 2015, 2016 and 2017: up to 2 players born after 1 August of the previous birth year.
  • Age groups 2018 and 2019: up to 1 player born after 1 August of the previous birth year.

Example:

In the 2016 age group, a team may register up to two players born after 1 August 2015.

IV. Players Participating in Multiple Teams

A player may not represent more than one team within the same age category during the tournament.

Violation of this rule may result in:

  • Disqualification of the player;
  • Forfeiture of the match(es) in which the player participated;
  • Additional disciplinary sanctions determined by the Tournament Jury.

V. Tournament Venues

Matches will be played at the following indoor football facilities in Riga:

  • Rimi Olympic Centre
  • Daugava Sports Hall
  • Skonto Hall
  • Rūpnīca Hall

The Tournament Organizers reserve the right to change venues if necessary.

VI. Tournament System

The competition consists of a group stage followed by play-offs.

Group Stage

Teams are divided into groups and play a round-robin format.

Points are awarded as follows:

  • Win – 3 points
  • Draw – 1 point
  • Loss – 0 points

Group Ranking Criteria

If two or more teams finish with the same number of points, rankings will be determined by:

  1. Head-to-head results
  2. Goal difference
  3. Goals scored
  4. Total goals scored in the group
  5. Disciplinary record
  6. Drawing of lots

Play-Off Stage

Following the group stage, teams advance to A or B Level play-offs according to their group ranking.

The detailed play-off format for each age group will be announced before the tournament.

VII. Penalty Shoot-Outs

In play-off matches, if the score is level at the end of regular time:

  • No extra time shall be played.
  • The winner shall be determined by a penalty shoot-out.
  • Each team will take three penalties.
  • If still tied, sudden death penalties will follow.

VIII. Referees

All matches will be officiated by referees appointed and approved by the Tournament Organizers.

The referee's decisions on the field are final.

IX. Protests

A protest may only concern:

  • Player eligibility;
  • Serious misapplication of the rules by the referee;
  • An incident that significantly affected the result of the match.

Protest Procedure

  • Must be submitted in writing by the team representative.
  • Must be submitted within 30 minutes after the match.
  • General protests against an opposing team are not accepted.
  • Protest fee: 75 EUR.
  • The fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

X. Tournament Jury

All disputes and protests shall be decided by a three-member Tournament Jury consisting of:

  • Head Referee;
  • Two Tournament Organizers.

The Jury's decision is final and cannot be appealed.

XI. Failure to Appear

A team that is not ready to play within five (5) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time shall forfeit the match.

The result will be recorded as a forfeit loss.

XII. Discipline

A player sent off during a match is automatically suspended for the remainder of that match.

For serious misconduct, including:

  • Violent conduct;
  • Serious foul play;
  • Offensive or abusive language;
  • Unsporting behaviour;

the Tournament Jury may impose additional suspensions or exclude the player from the remainder of the tournament.

XIII. Awards

The following awards will be presented:

  • Champions, runners-up and third-place teams in each age group;
  • Tournament trophies and medals;
  • Individual awards for outstanding players and goalkeepers.

In the 2018 and 2019 age groups, all participating players will receive commemorative medals in recognition of their participation and effort.

XIV. Medical Responsibility

Participation is at the team's own risk.

The Tournament Organizers are not responsible for injuries sustained during the competition. Teams are strongly encouraged to have appropriate insurance coverage.

Basic medical assistance will be available where possible.

XV. Fair Play

Nordic Cup promotes respect, sportsmanship and fair play.

Teams are encouraged to:

  • Respect opponents, referees and spectators;
  • Demonstrate positive behaviour throughout the tournament;
  • Support the principles of friendship, inclusion and respect.

XVI. Team Registration

Teams must submit their final player roster before the tournament begins.

Only registered players may participate.

No additions to the player list are permitted after the registration deadline.

Registration closes on 30 September 2026.

XVII. Force Majeure

The Tournament Organizers reserve the right to modify match schedules, venues, tournament formats or other arrangements due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to:

  • Severe weather conditions;
  • Facility issues;
  • Public safety concerns;
  • Government restrictions;
  • Other unforeseen events.

The Organizers shall not be liable for any costs incurred by participating teams as a result of such changes.

Teams are strongly advised to have appropriate travel and cancellation insurance.

XVIII. Acceptance of Regulations

By registering for and participating in Nordic Cup 2026, clubs, coaches, players and parents acknowledge that they have read, understood and accepted these Tournament Rules and Regulations.

The Tournament Organizers reserve the right to interpret these regulations and make decisions in situations not specifically covered by this document. Such decisions shall be final.

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