More than 500 youth soccer teams are converging on Las Vegas this weekend for the 26th annual Mayor's Cup International Soccer Tournament, filling five valley parks with boys' and girls' squads from four countries and 11 U.S. states. The tournament features 528 teams of players ages 8 to 15, and admission is free throughout the weekend.
According to FOX5 Vegas, the tournament includes 12 international teams representing Canada, Colombia, Mexico and Sweden, alongside squads from 11 U.S. states. The field breaks down to 408 boys' teams and 120 girls' teams, and each team is guaranteed three games across gold and silver divisions. FOX5 Vegas reports that tournament action begins Friday, Oct. 24, at Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex, with local teams playing primarily local matches from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A Weekend of Nonstop Matches Across the Valley
Full tournament play opens Saturday, Oct. 24, running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. across the Las Vegas valley, per the station's report. Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex, at 7353 Eugene Ave., serves as event headquarters, with additional matches spread across Kellogg Zaher Sports Complex at 7901 W. Washington Ave., All-American Park at 1551 S. Buffalo Drive, Ed Fountain Park at 1400 N. Decatur Blvd., and James Regional Sports Park at 8400 W. Robindale Road.
The official Las Vegas Mayor's Cup International Tournament website lists the 2026 International Tournament as October 23-24 and separately displays October 24-25. Championship matches are scheduled to begin around noon Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Bettye Wilson and Kellogg Zaher complexes, with award ceremonies planned from approximately 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. First-place teams receive the Mayor's Cup trophy, and top finishers also take home individual medals.
Two Decades of Growth for a City-Backed Tradition
The tournament was created in 2000 under then-Mayor Oscar B. Goodman to further youth sports, and it remains co-hosted by the city of Las Vegas and the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club, according to 8newsnow.com. The event has grown steadily in recent years — 8newsnow.com reported 447 teams competing in 2023, rising to 492 teams, including 366 boys' teams and 126 girls' teams, in 2024. That 2024 field drew players ages 8-15 from 12 U.S. states as well as Canada, Mexico and Brazil, the outlet noted.
Economic estimates have accompanied past editions of the tournament as well. The 2024 event was expected to bring about $34 million into the local economy, according to Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club President Roger Tabor, as cited by 8newsnow.com. Las Vegas City Council member Shelley Berkley said the tournament brings world-class competition to local teams and millions of dollars to the local economy, inviting everyone to welcome the young athletes and watch the tournament, per FOX5 Vegas.
What Spectators and Families Should Know
Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs or seating, and select tournament games will be livestreamed online, FOX5 Vegas reports. Tournament scores, standings and schedules will be available on the Las Vegas Mayor's Cup website throughout the weekend. Historical coverage from Yahoo Sports has similarly listed Bettye Wilson, Kellogg Zaher and James Regional Sports Park among the tournament's multiple venues.
Tournament rules posted on the Las Vegas Mayor's Cup website spell out eligibility and equipment requirements for competing teams. Properly registered teams in good standing that comply with the bylaws of USYSA, USSSA, NYSA and US Club Soccer are eligible to compete, and rosters freeze on the Tuesday before the event, with no additions allowed afterward. Players must wear shin guards, approved cleats and numbered uniforms, and jewelry is prohibited during competition.
