CAP CANA, Dominican Republic — Dominican football clubs have secured a historic milestone at the MICFootball Punta Cana 2026 tournament, with three local academies advancing to the semifinal stage and demonstrating the growing strength of youth football in the country.
Cibao FC and Real Deportivo led the Dominican delegation with an unprecedented achievement, qualifying for two semifinal matches each across different age categories. Their performances mark one of the strongest showings by local clubs since the international youth tournament was established in Punta Cana.
In the Under-13 division, Real Deportivo will face Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy for a place in the championship match. The club will also compete in the Under-15 semifinals against Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen, one of Europe’s most recognized youth development programs.
Cibao FC will continue its quest for two titles, taking on Inter Miami CF in the Under-14 semifinals before meeting Mexican powerhouse Club América in the Under-15 division. The Santiago-based academy has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, showcasing the continued growth of Dominican football on the international stage.
Downtown Soccer Academy also earned a place among the tournament’s final four, representing the Dominican Republic in the Under-16 category. The academy will face Spain’s Atlético de Madrid in one of the competition’s most anticipated semifinal matchups.
The strong presence of Dominican clubs in the knockout rounds highlights the rapid development of youth football across the country and reinforces the Dominican Republic’s emergence as an important destination for international sporting events.
The MICFootball Punta Cana 2026 finals are scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 28, at The Fields, Cap Cana Sports City, where champions in each division will be crowned following the conclusion of the tournament. The event has brought together some of the world’s most prestigious football academies, providing young Dominican players with an opportunity to compete against elite international talent while showcasing the country’s expanding sports infrastructure and commitment to youth development.
