Helsinki Cup 2027 gets an update – changes to playing formats and age groups

Although the atmosphere and events of Helsinki Cup 2026 are still fresh in our minds, the office is already looking ahead to next year’s tournament. Helsinki Cup 2027 will bring some changes as the tournament updates its age-group structure and playing formats to reflect the new guidelines introduced by the Football Association of Finland.

The 2027 Helsinki Cup, taking place from 12–17 July 2027, will bring several changes to the tournament. One of the most visible changes is the harmonisation of terminology. Going forward, the series previously known as Elite will be called Kilpa (Competitive in English). The updated series levels will therefore be: Kilpa (Competitive), Yleinen (General) and Harraste (Recreational).

In the youngest age groups, the number of players on the field will be reduced. For 7-year-olds (B7 and G7), the playing format will change from 5v5 to 4v4. With fewer players on the field, every player will have more opportunities to touch the ball, actively participate in the game and experience success. At the same time, Helsinki Cup will significantly lower the participation fee for the youngest age group.

Helsinki Cup Tournament Manager Mikko Savolainen welcomes the changes. Many of the updates are based on the new guidelines from the Football Association of Finland, which will be widely introduced across Finland from the 2027 season onwards.

“Especially the move to 4v4 for 7-year-olds is a great thing. Having fewer players on the field means, among other things, that players can participate more actively in the game.”

Helsinki Cup 2027 will also introduce new competitive elements. A new B9 Trophy (5v5) will be introduced for 9-year-old boys, where teams will compete for final standings.

For 10-year-olds, the tournament will follow the Football Association of Finland’s guidelines by extending the small-sided game format. The series will continue to be played in a 5v5 format, but teams looking for a more competitive challenge will have the option to enter a new 7v7 Trophy series, available for both girls and boys.

In the older age groups, 13-year-old boys will continue to play 8v8, with the transition to a full-size pitch and 11v11 football taking place in the U14 age group. The B18 boys’ series will be discontinued, making B16 the oldest boys’ age group in the tournament. On the girls’ side, the G18 series will remain unchanged.

Read more for Tournament categories and prices.

Registration for Helsinki Cup 2027 opens on 15 September 2026.