Watch What's Next: The Next Generation Arrives at Gothia Cup

Before the world watched them, they played here.

Over the past month, seven Right to Dream graduates have represented their countries on football's biggest stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But years before the packed stadiums, international caps, and professional careers, many of them were teenagers stepping onto the pitches of Gothenburg for the world's largest youth football tournament.

Now, it's another generation's turn.

From July 12–18, Right to Dream returns to Gothia Cup carrying a legacy built over decades. Seven tournament titles, countless unforgettable memories, and a tournament that has become an important chapter in the journey of many of our graduates.

More Than a Tournament

Success at Gothia Cup has never been measured by trophies alone. While Right to Dream has lifted the Gothia Cup trophy seven times, our ambition has never been defined by trophies alone.

The tournament provides something few youth competitions can: An opportunity for young players to test themselves against different opponents, playing styles and football cultures from across the world. They learn to adapt, compete under pressure and represent something bigger than themselves.

But the biggest lessons often happen away from the pitch.

Gothia Cup is a transformative experience that builds character, strengthens friendships and nurtures sportsmanship. It's about embracing new experiences, growing as teammates and people, and returning home with lessons that last far beyond one week in Sweden.

A Proven Pathway

The connection between Gothia Cup and the professional game is impossible to ignore, at least for our graduates.

Five Right to Dream graduates who were at the 2026 FIFA World Cup —Caleb Yirenkyi, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Abdul Mumin, Simon Adingra and Ernest Nuamah—once wore the same badge in Gothenburg, taking another important step on their journey to the pro game.

Nuamah helped Right to Dream lift the trophy in both 2018 and 2019 and Caleb was part of the title-winning squads in 2022 and 2023.

And they aren't the only ones.

Premier League players like Mohammed Kudus also left their mark on the tournament, scoring the winning goal in the 2017 final.

Those journeys don't guarantee the same destination for every player, but they do prove what's possible and are proof the pathway is real.

The Road Ahead

Right to Dream opens its Gothia Cup campaign against Sweden's IF Brommapojkarna before facing Peru's Cantolao AD, America's Seattle Sounders and Spain's Grosoko SFA in the group stage.

This diversity is part of what makes Gothia Cup such an important experience, with every opponent bringing a new test and every match another opportunity to grow. That's what Gothia Cup has always represented for Right to Dream; a chance to learn, develop and prepare for whatever comes next.

The stories of our graduates remind us where this journey can lead. Now, another generation has the opportunity to begin writing its own #WatchWhatsNext