The Oriental Cup 2026 is commencing at the Dr. Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, with DPS RK Puram and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Faridabad starting their title defense. This edition will feature over 48 teams from schools in Delhi-NCR competing in boys’ Under-17 and girls’ Under-19 categories, with matches played in a knockout format.
Defending boys’ champion DPS RK Puram will face Vasant Valley School in the opening match, aiming to secure back-to-back titles. The girls’ Under-19 category will also witness a clash between DPS RK Puram and Vasant Valley School, while Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Faridabad, will start their campaign against Navy School.
The tournament not only focuses on the on-field action but also emphasizes supporting young talent. The prize pool has doubled from the previous edition, reaching a record high, and a scholarship program of ₹2.5 lakh has been introduced to aid 10 deserving student-athletes.
In addition to school competitions, an NGO match between STRIVE and MIMA will be part of the opening day, showcasing the Oriental Cup’s commitment to inclusivity and creating opportunities for young players from various backgrounds. Since its inception in 2023, the Oriental Cup has grown as a significant platform for school football, engaging numerous educational institutions and NGOs.
The fourth edition of the Oriental Cup is sponsored by Oriental Structural Engineers Pvt. Ltd., with Nivia Sports as the Football Partner, Ocean Beverages as the Hydration Partner, and Central Park Resorts as an Associate Partner. The competition promises intense school football action over ten days as teams vie for the boys’ Under-17 and girls’ Under-19 titles.
