Minerva Academy FC added another major chapter to Indian youth football by winning the Helsinki Cup 2026, defeating defending champions HJK 1-0 in the final. The Chandigarh-based academy finally claimed the one European title that had slipped away from them a year earlier, completing a memorable comeback in Finland.
Last year, Minerva became the first Indian team to reach the Helsinki Cup final but narrowly lost 1-0 to PK-35 after an outstanding tournament. Returning in 2026, the academy completed its unfinished mission by lifting the trophy.
Minerva Academy FC dominates Helsinki Cup 2026
Minerva produced another commanding campaign, scoring more than 50 goals while giving opponents very few opportunities throughout the tournament.
The Indian side opened with a 6-1 victory over FC Valtti before defeating Helsingin Palloseura 9-1 and crushing EBK 11-0. T. Kipgen starred in that match with an incredible six-goal performance.
The knockout stage was equally one-sided. Minerva defeated Helsingin Ponnistus 19-0 in the Round of 32 before progressing through a walkover against Makati FC in the Round of 16.
One of the standout performances came in the quarter-finals, where they overwhelmed HJK 6-0. They then secured a 9-0 semi-final win over Käpylän Pallo before edging HJK 1-0 in the title clash to complete a remarkable tournament.
Indian youngsters shine across Europe
Several players made significant contributions during the competition. T. Kipgen finished among the leading performers after his six-goal display against EBK.
Yohenba scored consistently throughout the tournament, including a hat-trick against EBK and the opening goal in the 6-0 victory over HJK. Rimoson also impressed with a hat-trick against FC Kasiysi and added more goals during the knockout rounds. Haokip, Nongdren, Paikhomba, Wangshem and Donald also played important roles in Minerva’s successful campaign.
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Another European trophy for Minerva Academy
The Helsinki Cup triumph continues an extraordinary run for the academy in Europe.
Earlier this year, Minerva defeated Liverpool FC’s Under-15 side 6-0 in the Round of 16 of the prestigious Mediterranean International Cup in Spain. Before that, the academy became the first Indian team to win the Norway Cup after scoring 130 goals in eight matches and later lifted the Dana Cup in Denmark with a record 15-0 victory in the final.
With the Helsinki Cup now secured, Minerva Academy will shift its focus to the Gothia Cup in Sweden, widely regarded as the world’s biggest youth football tournament, as they continue their impressive European journey.
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FAQs
Who won the Helsinki Cup 2026?
Minerva Academy FC won the Helsinki Cup 2026 by defeating HJK 1-0 in the final.
Which European tournaments has Minerva Academy FC won?
Minerva has won the Norway Cup, Dana Cup, and Helsinki Cup.