Denis Pervushin’s squad, featuring players born in 2006, is set to compete in an international tournament scheduled from 27 May to 2 June. The team will join clubs from several cities beyond St. Petersburg, including five local sides slated to participate in Sao Paulo: Atletico Juventus, Corinthians, Nacional, Santos, Palmeiras, and Flamengo from Rio de Janeiro. The official information comes from the Russian Football Union (RFU).
The competition format will begin with a group stage, after which the strongest teams will advance to the semifinals. This structure aims to identify emerging talents and showcase young skills on a global stage, offering a rare opportunity for players born in 2006 to test themselves against diverse youth teams from around the world.
In the broader context, FIFA and UEFA have made the decision to exclude the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participating in competitions under their governance. The impact of these sanctions extends across national and club teams, reshaping pathways for Russian football in European and global events. The absence of Russian clubs in European cups during 2022, with Zenit St. Petersburg reaching the 1/16 finals of the Europa League and suffering a 2:3 aggregate defeat to Real Betis, is a notable example. Spartak Moscow, meanwhile, faced a playoff hurdle after finishing the group stage, signaling a challenging period for Russian sides in continental competition.
Previously, RFU officials indicated they were exploring potential friendly matchups and competitive alternatives for the June window, seeking opponents that could provide meaningful preparation and international exposure for the Russian players during this time. The circumstances surrounding these arrangements continue to influence how the federation plans for youth development and international experience in the near term, even as broader sanctions shape the overall competitive landscape for Russian football.