Gothia Cup is finally starting - bigger than ever before

This year's Gothia Cup is finally starting and we welcome the world to Gothenburg. Here is everything you need to know about the world's biggest youth football tournament - which once again has more teams than ever before. 

Since the start in 1975, more than 1.3 million participants have taken part in the tournament. This year, 44,200 people from 74 nations are participating. 

And football will be played everywhere, not just in Gothenburg but in Mölndal, Kungsbacka, Partille and Alingsås. In addition, Lerum is a new housing municipality. Of the 112 playing fields, Hagenplan, Öjersjö IP and Påvelunds IP are new. 

Like previous years' Gothia Cup, SKF is the tournament's main partner and the SKF Arena at Heden is even bigger with room for around 10,000 spectators. Also umatched in size is the number of matches broadcasted live in the Gothia Cup app. 3,200 matches from 56 pitches are filmed with AI cameras so that relatives, loved ones and other interested parties can follow the matches wherever you are. 

The success of Gothia Cup is in large part thanks to all the people working with the tournament. 2,500 officials, of which 550 are judges, will ensure the quality of the event and give the visitors memories for a lifetime.

Highlights of the week:
July 14: The big arrival day. Players and managers arrive in Gothenburg. Gothia Heden Center opens.
July 15: The first matches are played. Opening ceremony, at 20:00 at Nya Ullevi. Admission at 18.30.
July 16: Group play continues. Leader's party 19.00 in Scandinavium. Hall of Fame Award Ceremony.
July 17: Last group stage matches. The playoffs begin.
July 18: Playoffs. Gothia Special Olympics finals are played at Heden.
19 July: The Fair Play Trophy is awarded at Heden. 
July 20: Final day with matches at Gamla Ullevi, Heden 4 and SKF Arena.

Facts: Gothia Cup 2024
Participating teams: 1910 
Number of participants (players + leaders): 44,200 people 
Number of participants, incl. fellow travelers: 58,600 people 
Nations: 75 nations
Participants since inception in 1975: Approximately 1,315,600 participants 
Nations since its inception 1975: 151
Playing fields: 112 fields
New playing field 2024: Hagenplan. Öjersjö IP, Påvelunds IP
Number of matches: About 4900 matches
Schools: 71 school
Hotels: 33 hotels
Live streamed matches: About 3200 matches, from 56 fields
Boys/girls: About 70/30 percent
Number of officials: Approximately 2,500 (of which 550 are judges)

Main Partner: SKF
Official Partners: Kronfågel, Volvo, Puma, NEH, Libresse, McDonalds, Länsförsäkringar, GB Glace, Via, Kopparbergs Bryggeri, DXC, SEB, Tre, Polarbröd, Norrmejerier, Elektroskandia, SJ and Estrella.