Opens in a new tab

WCP Division Format

Heitage Requirement is 4 and can Include Staff.

9 divisions · 2026
Division Age Req. Format Min Players Duration Goal Size Offsides Slide Tackles Free Kick Kick-Ins
U9 (Size 4 Ball) 7v7 ¼ Field 6 Players 2x20min Quarter No No 5 Yards Direct Kick
U11 (Size 4 Ball) 7v7 ¼ Field 7 Players 2x20min Quarter No Yes 5 Yards Direct Kick
U13–U21 (Div 1) 9v9 ½ Field 9 Players 2x25min Medium Yes Yes 8 Yards Direct Kick
U13–U21 (Div 2) 7v7 ¼ Field 7 Players 2x25min Quarter No No 5 Yards Direct Kick
Masters 9v9 ½ Field 9 Players 2x25min Full No Yes 8 Yards Direct Kick
Mens 9v9 ½ Field 9 Players 2x25min Full No Yes 8 Yards Direct Kick
Womens 9v9 ½ Field 9 Players 2x25min Full No Yes 8 Yards Direct Kick
Legends 7v7 ¼ Field 6 Players 2x25min Quarter No No 5 Yards Direct Kick
NOTE

We are adopting the FIFA 2025/2026 LOTG regarding goalkeeper possession: a goalkeeper has eight seconds to release the ball from their hand(s)/arm(s) after gaining control. If exceeded, the referee will stop play and award a corner kick to the opposing team.

FORMAT FOR PLAY-OFFS IF GAMES ARE TIED:

*In the event of a draw at the end of regular time, the match will proceed directly to a “Sudden Victory Penalty Shootout.” Each team will nominate one kicker per round, and the shootout will operate on a sudden-victory basis: the first team to miss while the other scores will be deemed the loser. This format will continue with alternating kicks until a decisive result is achieved, ensuring both teams have equal opportunities to take a shot.

If an injury or red card leaves a team with only two players of one gender, the team must withdraw players of the other gender to ensure equal gender representation on the field.

Rules & Regulations

Click a section to expand

Tournament Format

›

Teams are guaranteed a minimum of three games. Teams will be drawn randomly and placed into groups with even numbers of teams. The official draw date for Adult Divisions will be announced by the WCP Organizing Committee.

Qualifiers from the round robin will advance to the knockout round (Semis and/or Finals only). When the ball hits the roof, the restart is a direct free kick from where the ball was kicked.

Uniforms

›

The first team listed on the schedule is designated as the HOME TEAM. Home and Away signs will be located at each bench.

  • All teams must have matching Home and Away jerseys in different country colors with visibly numbered backs and two sets of differently colored socks.
  • It is greatly appreciated that all teams have the Country’s name or logo on both Home and Away jerseys.
  • Anyone on the field or bench must always be dressed in Nation team attire. Ripped/torn jeans, baggy shorts, and flip flops will not be appreciated.

Teams unable to provide proper uniforms will be subject to a $200 fine and/or game forfeit with a 5-0 loss.

Definitions

›

Nation: Any FIFA recognized country or, subject to the approval of the WCP Cup Organization/Registration Committee, any ethnically or culturally distinct group.

Staff: Coaches, managers, water boys/girls, trainers, etc. Only Players and Staff are allowed on field/bench. All Staff must be listed on roster by the Roster Submission Deadline and registered with their local District/Member organization.

Heritage: A distinct cultural, ancestral, or citizenship affiliation traceable by marriage to a partner of at least 50% heredity, offspring of at least 25% heredity, or through matrilineal or patrilineal bloodlines.

Sudden Victory Penalty Shootout

›

In the event of a draw at the end of regular time in any designated Semis or Finals, the match will proceed directly to a Sudden Victory Penalty Shootout.

Each team will nominate one kicker per round, and the shootout will operate on a sudden victory basis: the first team to miss while the other scores will be deemed the loser. The format continues with alternating kicks until a decisive result is achieved, ensuring both teams have equal opportunities to take a shot.

Scheduling

›

Schedules for each division will be posted on the website at least 7 days prior to the first day of the tournament.

Youth Division

  • Wednesday evening games may be scheduled for local teams if required.
  • Games begin mornings, Thursday to Sunday.
  • WCP adheres to SSA sanctioning guidelines including required rest periods between games.
  • Additional games may be added the same day for weather, injury, or scheduling conflicts.

Adult Division

  • Games begin in the early evening on Thursday and Friday.
  • Saturday and Sunday games begin in the early morning.
  • All teams guaranteed minimum/maximum of 3 games.
  • Additional games may be added for weather, pandemics, injury delays, or scheduling conflicts.

General Rules

›
  1. Acceptable Nation team submissions will be on a first come, first serve basis. Each Nation may only field one team per division.
  2. Youth Players are not allowed to play or be listed on rosters for multiple teams competing within the same weekend.
  3. There is no guarantee that any Nation team submission will result in acceptance. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to deem any submission unacceptable for any reason.
  4. All teams must fully comply with Roster Requirements and Individual Game Requirements unless provided with a special written dispensation.
  5. In addition to the Tournament Entry Fee, each player may be subject to an additional Local District/Provincial Association player registration/insurance fee.
  6. All participants must, on or before the Roster Submission Deadline, provide all required information including insurance, health card, and heritage designation.
  7. The WCP Cup Organizing Committee is not responsible for informing teams or players of incomplete forms. Compliance is the responsibility of the Nation team.
  8. The Committee reserves the right to require any player to prove their Heritage claim as listed on the Team Roster Form.
  9. Free admission is provided for players and Nation team staff only — complete rosters will be located at the entrances. Photo ID may be required.
  10. Late payments, registrations, and submissions are subject to fines starting at $50.00 for the first offence, doubling for each subsequent offence.
  11. Senior Nation teams may pull up individual Youth Players to their roster, provided that Youth player is not participating with another team during the same weekend.

Tournament Courtesy & Conduct

›

The WCP Cup is meant to unify and bring cultures, nations, and countries together. Absolutely no racist, sectarian, or ethnic abuse of any kind will be tolerated.

Any player, coach, Nation team official, or fan deemed guilty of abuse will be immediately sanctioned or banned by the WCP Cup Organizing Committee in its sole and absolute discretion.

Goal Celebrations: Non-taunting goal celebrations toward an opponent are encouraged and will not result in yellow cards. We appreciate the positive spirit and energy of all teams and players while representing their Nation.

test

›

adsfdfsdsdf