Croatian and diaspora football talent gathers in Vukovar for memorial tournament
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
VUKOVAR, 11 April 2026 – The 22nd International U-14 Memorial Tournament “Memorial of the Vukovar Defenders” has officially opened, bringing together young footballers from across Croatia and the global Croatian diaspora.
Held from 10 to 12 April, the traditional tournament is taking place across several venues in and around Vukovar, including the City Stadium, Radnički Stadium, HNK Mitnica ground, as well as pitches in Bogdanovci and Borovo naselje.
This year’s edition features 16 teams, including youth sides from top Croatian clubs and four representative selections of Croats from abroad. Participants have arrived from countries including Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Germany and Sweden.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
In a notable first, a selection of Croats from Bosnia and Herzegovina is also taking part, further strengthening the tournament’s international character.
The tournament continues to play an important role in promoting sport among young people, while also preserving the memory of the Vukovar defenders.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
It carries a strong message of unity, connecting Croatian youth from the homeland with those living abroad.
The opening ceremony took place on Friday afternoon at the City Stadium in Vukovar, marking the start of three days of competition.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
Tournament format
The teams are divided into four groups:
• Group A (Borovo naselje): Dinamo, Gorica, Vukovar 1991, Croats (Austria & Switzerland)
• Group B (Radnički Vukovar): Osijek, Istra 1961, Croats (Australia), Croats (Germany & Sweden)
• Group C (Mitnica): Hajduk, Varaždin, Slaven Belupo, Croats (Canada & USA)
• Group D (Bogdanovci): Rijeka, Lokomotiva, Cibalia, Croats (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
Group matches are being played on 10 and 11 April, with the top teams advancing to the semi-finals.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
Finals schedule
The knockout stage will take place in Borovo naselje on 11 April, with the semi-finals scheduled for the afternoon.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
The final day, 12 April, will see the third-place match followed by the final at the City Stadium in Vukovar, after which the winners will be officially announced.
