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International Calendar: January Scouting Recommendations

January offers an exciting mix of football action, with qualifiers and two major finals taking centre stage. This month is a prime opportunity for scouts and agents to discover emerging talent across the globe. Let’s dive into the highlights and recommendations to maximize your scouting efforts.
International Calendar: January Scouting Recommendations

Our top tips from the Agents FC HUB International Calendar for January

Spotlight: Kings League – A Future Talent Pool

Kicking off the month, the Kings World Cup Nations takes the spotlight. While not an official FIFA tournament, the buzz around the Kings League, a seven-a-side competition, is unmissable. This league is redefining football entertainment, dominating social media, and attracting fans seeking alternatives to traditional formats. With plans to expand globally, signing a Kings League player now could be a forward-thinking investment for agents looking to tap into this evolving market.

Spotlight: Marbella Training Camp

Although the Marbella Training Camp isn’t listed on our calendar, it presents a prime networking opportunity for football agents. Since its launch in 2005, the camp has served as a mid-to-end-season training base, attracting elite clubs seeking top-tier facilities, warm weather, and a change of environment.

Over the years, it has hosted football giants such as Liverpool, Inter Milan, Manchester United, the England national team, and the French national team, among others.

For agents, the camp offers a unique chance to connect with key figures from top clubs while also scouting rising stars from elite academies competing against some of the world’s best teams. Whether you’re building relationships or discovering the next big talent, Marbella is a must-watch destination.

Africa: Unearthing the Next Stars

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) begins the first round of qualifiers for the Women’s FIFA U-17 World Cup this month. These matches, held across various African nations, provide a golden opportunity to spot the next generation of female football talent. Stay ahead of the curve by identifying rising stars before they shine on the global stage in the finals.

Asia: Futsal Heats Up

In Asia, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has organised a thrilling competition where 19 teams vie for 9 coveted spots in the AFC Women’s Futsal Finals, set to take place in China this May. This event is a hub for uncovering high-potential players excelling in the fast-paced, skill-intensive format of futsal.

Europe: Futsal Showdowns

Europe’s futsal scene is bustling in January, starting with the UEFA Under-19 Futsal Championship Preliminary Rounds from January 21 to 26. Three groups will compete for spots in the finals later this year in Moldova. Additionally, senior men’s teams kick off their UEFA Futsal Euro 2026 Qualifying Rounds, paving the way for next year’s finals. These matches are a fantastic opportunity to scout technical players who thrive in high-pressure environments.

CONCACAF: Women’s U-17 Championship Qualifiers

In North and Central America, CONCACAF hosts the Women’s U-17 Championship Qualifiers. Twenty-two teams will battle for a place in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to be held in Morocco later this year. This tournament is a fertile ground for spotting emerging talent from a region known for producing exceptional players.

South America: CONMEBOL Sub-20 Finals

Our top pick this month is the CONMEBOL Sub-20 Finals, held in Venezuela from January 23 to February 16. This tournament has a history of showcasing future stars, with players like Luis Díaz (Colombia) and Darwin Núñez (Uruguay) making their mark here before reaching global fame. Keep a close eye on this event to identify the next big talent from South America.

January is packed with opportunities for scouts and agents to discover football’s future stars. From futsal tournaments in Asia and Europe to youth qualifiers in Africa, CONCACAF, and South America, the month is a treasure trove of talent. Keep your eyes open, your network active, and best of luck.

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