Every July, the Basque coastal city of San Sebastian fills up with youth soccer teams from all corners of the globe. It’s one of Europe’s most respected youth tournaments, and this year 86 teams from 11 countries lined up in the U15 boys section alone. Right in the middle of it, flying the flag for Ireland, was Donegal Underage League. And they made sure people noticed.
If you’re a club in the United States or Canada weighing up a European soccer tour, this is the kind of week we build for teams every year at DB Sports Tours. Tough games, a totally different footballing culture, and the sort of memories that stick around a lot longer than any final score.
Arriving in San Sebastian for the Donosti Cup 2026
The trip started with a flight into Biarritz, just over the French border, followed by a short transfer to San Sebastian. From there it was straight to base camp: a comfortable 3-star hotel about 15 minutes outside the city, breakfast included every morning. Home for seven nights, July 6th through the 13th, while the squad competed in the U15 boys section of the 2026 Donosti Cup.
85 other teams, 21 groups. Donegal Underage League landed in Group P alongside Madrid Union B, AFO Promises FC out of Catalonia, and Vicente del Bosque FA from the Balearic Islands. By Friday, this group would turn out to be one of the toughest in the whole tournament.
Before a ball was even kicked, Tuesday night brought the opening ceremony at the Amenabar Arena, thousands of young players from every corner of the map in one place. It’s the kind of moment that sticks with a squad long after the summer’s over.
Donosti Cup 2026 Group Stage: Donegal Open With Two Straight Wins
First up was Vicente del Bosque FA, played out in 26°C heat (that’s about 79°F for anyone counting in Fahrenheit). Donegal came through 2-1, goals from Zach Coll and Michael Walsh doing the damage. Jamie McGee, in just his first full outing at this level, walked away with Man of the Match.
Wednesday was tougher. AFO Promises FC had opened with a 2-0 win of their own and sat top of the group on goal difference, so this one mattered. Another warm day, 24°C this time, and the game went right to the wire before Hugo Cooper popped up with a winner in the 89th minute to make it 1-0. Cooper took Man of the Match, and that afternoon the squad headed down to the beach to put their feet up before the group decider.
Two games played, two wins. Only 13 teams out of the 86 in the whole U15 section could say the same.
Donosti Cup U15 Group P: Donegal Top the Table
Thursday’s game against Madrid Union B, played out at the Real Sociedad academy grounds, was the one that would settle the group. Nil-nil at the break, then Madrid nudged ahead with 20 minutes left. Donegal didn’t fold. Tom Erskine equalised with just 2 minutes on the clock, 1-1 the final score.
That result was enough. Top of Group P on 7 points, straight through to the Last 16, skipping the Round of 32 altogether knockout stage. Zach Coll picked up Man of the Match, the third different Donegal player to take the award in three games, which tells you everything about the depth in this squad.
Donosti Cup Knockout Stage: Penalty Shootout Ends Donegal’s Run
Friday’s Last 16 knockout tie against Ultimate Madrid B had everything except goals. Fifty minutes of end-to-end football, 0-0 at full time, straight to penalties. This time the shootout didn’t go Donegal’s way, and they went out 3-2 on kicks.
Tough way for a brilliant week to end. But look at the numbers: unbeaten through the groups, three different Man of the Match winners, and a squad that matched some of the best age-group teams from 11 countries stride for stride.
Donegal Underage League’s coach summed up the week best:
“The Donosti Cup is a tournament that is run to an exceptionally high standard. From the moment we arrived, it was clear just how professionally organised everything was. Combined with its excellent companion app, navigating fixtures, venues and schedules was straightforward, making the whole experience even more enjoyable for players, coaches and parents alike.
The pitches used throughout the tournament were outstanding and provided the perfect stage for some fantastic football.
The opening ceremony was something many of our young players will never forget. Walking out alongside teams from around the world created memories that will last a lifetime. The beach party on Saturday night was another huge highlight, with the players making the most of the opportunity to relax, have fun and celebrate an incredible week together.
The standard of competition was extremely high, with every match providing a real test. Playing against quality opposition from different countries challenged the boys and gave them valuable experience that they will carry forward.
Away from the football, San Sebastián itself was simply breathtaking. Its three stunning beaches and beautiful coastline offered the perfect escape between matches, while a trip to the amusement park high in the mountains rewarded everyone with spectacular panoramic views across the city and the Bay of Biscay.
As the biggest youth football tournament in Europe, the Donosti Cup certainly lives up to its reputation. After experiencing it firsthand, it’s easy to see why so many teams return year after year. It was an unforgettable week of football, friendship and memories that our players will treasure forever.”
What a Donosti Cup Experience Includes Beyond the Pitch
The football was only half the story. Every day, the squad had lunch and dinner in the shared tournament hall, the same one used by every team in the competition, which meant plenty of chances to swap stories with players from other countries and make friends they’ll probably stay in touch with for years. Transport to every match and to and from the airport was sorted as part of the package, so the only thing anyone had to think about was the football.
Downtime was just as memorable as the matches. San Sebastian’s three beaches gave the squad the perfect place to unwind between games, and a trip up into the mountains to a hilltop amusement park delivered some of the best views of the week, looking out over the city and the Bay of Biscay. Saturday night’s beach party rounded the whole trip off, the players celebrating a week of football, new friendships, and memories that’ll stay with them well beyond this summer.
That’s what a DB Sports Tours trip looks like for clubs and academies coming over from the United States, Canada, or Ireland: fully organised, fully supported, and built so teams can just show up and play.
Ready for Donosti Cup 2027? Start Planning Your Team’s Tour
If your club, academy, or select team is thinking about a summer soccer tour with real competition and an experience your players won’t forget, the Donosti Cup 2027 is already open for bookings. It runs July 6th to 11th, 2027 in San Sebastian.
We offer 6, 7, 8, and 9-night packages, and every one of them can be built around your team’s schedule and budget. Keep it straightforward with hotel, meals, transport, and tournament entry, or tack on an extension to the South of France, Madrid, or Barcelona. Either way, we’ll shape it around your squad.
DB Sports Tours has delivered over 950 tours and taken more than 35,000 travellers to 1,750+ stadiums, with 200+ five-star Google reviews along the way. As a FIFA Licensed Agent, we’ve built a name with clubs and academies across the United States, Canada, and Ireland for putting together international soccer tours players still talk about years later.
