GISA Cup 2026

GISA Cup 2026

International football festival sends a strong message of fair play and intercultural encounter

Accra, 28 February 2026 – The third GISA Cup at the German International School Accra once again delivered a powerful statement of international sportsmanship and lived intercultural exchange. A total of 18 teams from 13 nations transformed the campus into a vibrant arena of competition, community and global connection.

Following previous champions Portugal (2024) and host team GISA (2025), this year’s tournament crowned a new winner.

Distinguished guests honour the event

The tournament was further enhanced by the presence of distinguished guests. Among them were GIZ Director Dirk Aßmann and German Ambassador Frederik Landshöft, who praised the unique international atmosphere and spirit of the Competitive group stage and dramatic finals

From the very beginning, the group stage revealed the high competitive level across the field. Numerous closely contested matches and disciplined tactical performances ensured excitement throughout the day.

In the final round, Universal Wonderful Street Academy (UWSA), GIZ 11, Ireland and the Wednesday Team confirmed their strong form. Host team GISA demonstrated commitment and team spirit, finishing in a respectable 12th place overall.

The third-place match saw Ireland secure a narrow 1–0 victory over the Wednesday Team.

Final decided on penalties

The championship match proved to be one of the highlights of the tournament. After an intense and evenly matched game, GIZ 11 and Universal Wonderful Street Academy finished regular time at 1–1.

In the penalty shoot-out, the team from Jamestown held their nerve and prevailed 6–5, securing the GISA Cup 2026 title.

The award ceremony, accompanied by the iconic anthem “We Are the Champions,” provided an emotional and celebratory conclusion to an outstanding tournament day.

UWSA Director Louis Doe stated:
“The GISA Cup represents what football can achieve at its very best: bringing people from different countries and backgrounds together. This platform of respectful competition and genuine encounter is of tremendous value.”

Final standings (Top 16)

1. UWSA (Ghana)
2. GIZ 11 (Germany)
3. Ireland
4. Wednesday Team
5. University Team (Equatorial Guinea)
6. UK Ghana
7. Swiss
8. Cena Empire (Togo)
9. FairAfric (Ghana)
10. GISA
11. Kenya
12. LFA (France)
13. Portugal
14. Fafali (Ghana)

Individual awards

In addition to the team competition, outstanding individual performances were recognised:

• Best Player: Jordy Pedrito (Equatorial Guinea)
• Best Goalkeeper: Team UK Ghana
• Fair Play Award: Portugal
• Best Fan Support: FairAfric

Appreciation for partners and supporters

The GISA Cup thrives on the commitment of numerous partners and supporters. Special thanks go to the sponsors FairAfric, Perla, Trailer Kings and HomeMed for their valuable support.

Gratitude is also extended to WARA for providing professional medical coverage throughout the tournament.

Furthermore, the German International School Accra expresses its appreciation to the many food and beverage vendors as well as the dedicated volunteers whose efforts were essential to the success of this international sporting event.

More than football

The GISA Cup 2026 once again underlined the role of the German International School Accra as a meeting place and bridge-builder between cultures.

Head of School Rainer Kropp-Kurta emphasised:
“The GISA Cup demonstrates year after year how sport connects people across borders. As the German International School Accra, it is central to our mission not only to promote athletic performance but above all to foster fair play, respect and intercultural exchange.”

In the context of the school’s upcoming 60th anniversary, this year’s tournament once again highlighted the strength and vibrancy of its growing international community.