U15 and U16 MLS Next HG Selected for Generation adidas Cup Qualifier
Intercontinental Football Academy of New England (IFA) is delighted to announce that the U15 and U16 MLS Next Homegrown teams have been selected to compete in the Generation adidas Cup qualifiers at the upcoming MLS Next Fest to be held in Phoenix, AZ from December 11th to 14th. IFA is the only club in New England to have representation in both age groups.
By earning selection, both teams will now enter a 32-team single elimination tournament with the winners of each age group gaining a spot in the 2026 edition of the Generation adidas cup. One of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, the Generation adidas Cup features MLS academies, MLS Next clubs and International clubs. Last year saw European giants FC Bayern Munich and Inter Milan compete alongside Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras. 2026’s event will take place from March 27 to April 4 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
The 2011s (U15) were ranked #1 in the Northeast by MLS Next in their final 2025 season power rankings. Matt Hardiman’s team finished the season top of the Northeast Division standings after compiling an undefeated 7-0-1 record over the fall season. Most impressively the bulk of the roster has been with IFA for a number of years, with twelve members of the squad with the club since the U10 age group. The boys will play Atletico Santa Rosa in their opening match. The California side were ranked #4 in the Northwest Division.
Drago Kazakov’s U16 Boys compiled a 4-2-2 record over their eight fall games, scoring on average 3.75 goals per game. Their per game goal differential of 1.75 is second highest in the Division. Made up of players born in 2010, the 16s were ranked #4 in the Northeast Power Rankings. They will take on Inter Atlanta FC, the #1 ranked side in the Southeast Division.
“We're thrilled to see both eligible teams qualify based on their outstanding fall performances, and we look forward to the opportunities this presents for our players to compete at the highest level,” said IFA Technical Director Mark Spalding. “We believe elite competition is essential to developing elite players and this is another top-level stage for our boys to prove themselves,” added Spalding.
To view the MLS Next Fest schedule, please click here.
