THE SANTOS PEÑOLES 2026 INTERNATIONAL CUP KICKED OFF WITH A SPECTACULAR OPENING AT THE CORONA STADIUM
The 14th edition of the Santos Peñoles International Cup kicked off on Thursday night at the Estadio Corona, within the Santos Modelo Territory, with a ceremony that brought together more than 17,000 people and stood out for its family-friendly and emotional atmosphere.
Considered one of the most important children's and youth tournaments in Mexico, the Santos Peñoles Cup not only offers high-level sports competition but also promotes fundamental values shared by Santos Laguna and Industrias Peñoles, strengthening camaraderie within a soccer environment.
The opening ceremony began promptly at 7:00 PM with the presentation of the presidium, composed of Antonio Cepeda, Director of the State Sports Institute of Coahuila, Jorge Cuerda, First Councilman of the Torreón City Council, Antonio Baca, Liaison Manager of Industrias Peñoles, Mara Fajer, Director of Impulso Orlegi, Alejandro Irarragorri Kalb, President of Club Santos Laguna, as well as footballers Carlos Gruezo and Yesenia Novella, followed by the traditional inaugural kick that officially marked the start of the tournament.
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed various on-field activities, including games like giant ball scrimmages, target shooting, giant beer pong, and obstacle races.
One of the most memorable moments was the illuminated ball show, accompanied by a musical performance that led to the official anthem of the Cup and a fireworks display that lit up the Estadio Corona, creating an unparalleled atmosphere for those present.
Thus began a new edition of this tournament, which year after year establishes itself as a platform for sports development, value formation, and the creation of unforgettable experiences for thousands of young people.
Santos Peñoles International Cup 2026 Facts
This edition of the Santos Peñoles Cup will feature the participation of more than 430 teams, comprising nearly 7,000 players, including international representatives from Colombia and the United States.
The competition will take place from May 1 to May 5 across 12 venues, with Santos Modelo Territory as the main hub, as well as various schools, institutions, and Peñoles fields in the region.
The tournament includes activities in both male and female divisions, as well as the intellectual disability category, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and the comprehensive development of children and youth.
For the first time in the history of the Cup, the finals will be held at the Estadio Corona, giving participants the opportunity to experience a professional setting in one of the most iconic venues in Mexican soccer.
Additionally, all matches will be played with the official Voit ball of Liga MX, raising the competitive level of the tournament.
The Santos Peñoles Cup 2026 also represents a significant boost to the regional economy, with the arrival of thousands of families, teams, and visitors who strengthen activity in various sectors of the Comarca Lagunera.