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adidas and Stormzy bring the #Merky FC Cup back to Croydon on Sunday 31 May, turning #Merky FC HQ into a full grassroots football and culture takeover.
The 2026 edition expands the format with a youth tournament, an exhibition match featuring adidas guests and content creators, and a 3v3 competition carrying the biggest prize yet: a trip to New York for the FIFA World Cup.
The winning 3v3 side will travel to New Jersey to watch England face Panama. A new film featuring Micah Richards sets up the Cup as a London-first tournament rooted in free play and street-level talent.
Stormzy explains:
London is full of unbelievable football talent and #Merky FC Cup is about creating opportunities for young people to come through, express themselves and show what they can do on a big stage. Bringing it back to #Merky FC HQ feels special because this space was built for the community; a place where young people can connect through football, culture and creativity. 2024’s tournament was incredible, but this year we wanted to take it even further with a World Cup experience on the line. I can’t wait to see the energy and talent that turns up.
The event also features a local under-16s tournament and an exhibition match with adidas guests, creators, and emerging football voices, extending #Merky FC’s wider mission to open football industry routes for young people of Black heritage; with more than 80 placements already secured.
The Cup extends that mission through competition, visibility, and access; building from 2024’s 38-team youth format into a bigger 2026 edition with a World Cup prize attached.
The 3v3 competition is open to boys’ and girls’ teams. Further entry details, eligibility criteria, and event tickets are available via merkyfchq.com.
With #Merky FC Cup 2026, adidas and Stormzy keep the focus clear: local talent, real access, and a Croydon football event with bigger stakes than usual.