Gothia Cup 50 years – a jubilee edition bigger than ever 

The worlds largest youth tournament Gothia Cup is about to begin, and we welcome the world to Gothenburg. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Gothia Cup, a celebration of its rich history while the tournament continues to grow and evolve. 
– We are grateful and proud that Gothenburg is the largest meeting place for youth from all over the world, says tournament director Niclas Freiholtz. 
 
Since its start in 1975, nearly 1.4 million participants have taken part in the Gothia Cup. From the 275 teams in the first year to this year's record-breaking 1,920 teams, the growth has been extraordinary – and it’s still ongoing.
For the first time ever, the proportion of international teams is greater than the Swedish ones, with England as the largest foreign nation.
– This is a milestone that shows how international the tournament has become. It enhances the overall experience and truly reflects why so many teams choose to sign up. It’s about new experiences, cultural exchange, and – from a sporting perspective – getting the chance to play against teams you would never otherwise encounter, says Niclas Freiholtz. 

As in previous years, SKF remains the main partner of the tournament and makes it possible for many teams to participate through the Meet the World initiative. Additionally, SKF Arena at Heden, with a capacity of around 10,000 spectators, continues to host many of the most high-profile matches. 
Also hitting a record this year is the number of pitches streaming live in the Gothia Cup app. Around 3,000 matches from 65 fields will be filmed using AI cameras, allowing friends, family, and fans to follow the action from anywhere.

Key events of the week:
July 13: Major arrival day. Players and coaches arrive in Gothenburg.
Gothia Heden Center opens.
July 14: First matches played. Opening Ceremony at 8:00 PM at Nya Ullevi.
July 15: Group stage continues. Leaders’ Party at 7:00 PM in Scandinavium.
Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony.
July 16: Final group stage matches. Playoffs begin.
July 17: Playoffs continue. Gothia Special Olympics finals at Heden.
July 18: Fair Play Trophy awarded at Heden.
July 19: Finals Day with matches at Gamla Ullevi, Heden 4, and SKF Arena. 

Gothia Cup facts 2025
Participating teams: 1,920 (record)
Total participants (players + leaders): 44,600
Countries represented: 76
New nation: Madagascar
Swedish teams: 48%
International teams: 52% (record)
Largest nation after Sweden: England
Number of English teams: 155
Boys/Girls: 70/30
Total participants since 1975: 1,359,800
Nations since 1975: 152
Fields: 114
New fields: Stenkullen IP, Djupedals IP, Hovgårdsvallen, Klarebergsvallen, Eklandavallen, Furulundsplan, Lindevi IP
Total matches: 4,867
Livestreamed matches: around 3,500 from 65 pitches
Schools: 67
Hotels: 33
Officials (including referees): 2,300