The 9th edition of the PSG Academy World Cup was larger and more immersive than ever before. Over 40 teams from 19 countries, in the U11, U13, and U15 Girls categories, convened in Paris to represent their home countries and compete for glory.
Strive Football Group was well represented with 9 teams from the U.S. and Canada, having qualified through the PSG Academy North America Cup hosted in Florida earlier this year in January.
All group stage matches were played at the brand-new, state-of-the-art PSG Campus—the same prestigious facility where all PSG teams train, from youth to senior level. This direct connection to the club’s elite training methodology gave North American players a one-of-a-kind experience at the heart of French football.
The presence of families from across the world made the event truly special, creating an authentic World Cup atmosphere. Between matches, players explored some of Paris’s most iconic sites, including a tour of the legendary Parc des Princes stadium and its exclusive facilities as part of the full tournament experience.
Among the standout performances was PSG Academy Chicago’s remarkable debut. Making their first-ever trip to Paris, the U13 team embraced their underdog status and delivered exceptional results.
From their opening group-stage match, the team impressed on both ends of the pitch — solid defensively and dynamic in attack. A dramatic quarter-final victory on penalties over host nation France, followed by a semi-final win against USA West, set up a final showdown against Brazil at the historic Parc des Princes.
The grandeur of playing at PSG’s home stadium didn’t faze the Chicago squad. Their captain calmly converted a first-half penalty, and the team held on to a 1–0 win in front of hundreds of supporters, families, and PSG Academy Technical Directors. They went undefeated throughout the tournament to claim the championship.
The celebration continued late into the night, as all PSG Academy teams came together at a private venue. Players from around the world exchanged jerseys and created unforgettable memories—capturing the true global spirit of the PSG Academy family.
For Strive Football Group’s North American academies, the tournament was a powerful showcase of the talent and development happening across the USA and Canada—with teams proudly competing at the highest level on youth football’s most prestigious international stage.
