1. Tournament Format

A total of twenty-four (24) teams will participate in the tournament.

Teams will be divided into eight (8) groups, with three (3) teams in each group.

The first and second placed teams from each group will qualify for the Round of 16.

Starting from the Round of 16, matches will be played under a single-elimination (knockout) system as follows:

Round of 16 – Quarterfinals – Semifinals – Final Match to determine the tournament champion.

2. Players

Each team shall have six (6) players on the field of play.

Unlimited substitutions are allowed throughout the match.

Only players registered on the official team roster are permitted to participate or sit on the bench.

A match shall not start if a team has fewer than four (4) players.

Each team is required to have a designated goalkeeper as part of the starting line-up at kick-off. A match shall not start in the absence of a goalkeeper on the field of play.

3. Match Duration

The match duration shall be forty (40) minutes, divided into two halves of twenty (20) minutes each.

Half-time break shall be eight (8) minutes.

Team line-ups must be submitted at least ten (10) minutes prior to kick-off.

The referee’s whistle shall follow the official match schedule. No additional time will be added due to administrative or organizational delays.

4. Team Uniform

All players must wear a unified team uniform (shirt, shorts, and socks).

Shin guards are mandatory for all players.

Jerseys must display numbers on the back and include the participating country’s name and flag.

Uniforms must represent the participating country. In case of color conflict, coordination will be arranged with the organizing committee.

Goalkeepers must wear a distinct numbered goalkeeper kit. Wearing jackets during matches is not permitted.

5. Cards and Disciplinary Actions

A player receiving two yellow cards in separate matches shall be suspended for one (1) match.

A player sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the same match shall be suspended for one (1) match.

A direct red card shall result in a minimum suspension of two (2) matches.

A player receiving a yellow card followed by a direct red card shall be suspended for one (1) match while retaining the yellow card record.

All misconduct cases will be reviewed by the Organizing Committee, which reserves the right to impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions including suspension or exclusion from the tournament.

The Organizing Committee reserves the right to prohibit individuals involved in misconduct from participating in future editions of the tournament.

6. Match Forfeit / Withdrawal

A team shall be considered to have forfeited the match in the following cases:

1. Failure to appear at the scheduled kick-off time according to the official match schedule.
2. The number of players on the field of play falls below four (4) players at the start or during the match.
3. Failure to comply with the full official team uniform requirements (shirt, shorts, socks, and shin guards).
4. Refusal to start, resume, or continue the match following the referee’s instructions.
5. Leaving the field of play or refusing to participate in the match without valid justification.
6. Any action that prevents the match from starting or continuing, as determined by the referee and the Organizing Committee.

Match Forfeit Result

In the event that a team is declared to have forfeited a match, the match shall be awarded to the opposing team with a score of (3–0), unless otherwise decided by the Organizing Committee based on the circumstances of the case.

7. Ranking Criteria (Group Stage)

In case of equal points between teams, ranking shall be determined according to the following order:

1. Higher number of points.
2. Goal difference.
3. Higher number of goals scored.
4. Head-to-head result.
5. Fewer disciplinary cards.
6. Drawing of lots.

8. Organizing Committee Authority

The Organizing Committee has full authority to interpret and apply these regulations and to decide on matters not covered herein.

The Organizing Committee reserves the right to amend match schedules, venues, or timings in the interest of the tournament.

Decisions of the Organizing Committee are final and binding for all participating teams.

All participants must respect the principles of fair play and comply with decisions issued by referees and the Organizing Committee.

The Organizing Committee reserves the right to take disciplinary action in case of violations of regulations or inappropriate conduct within the sports facility.