Pepsi Cup 2026

It’s official, the Pepsi Cup at Pepsi MAX presents Creamfields kicks off this Thursday! If you’ve registered your team, follow instructions below.

Don’t worry if you missed out on registering your team, there will be very limited space for walk-ups each day. (not guaranteed)

Please see tournament info and fixtures below.

Pepsi Cup - what to do next

Pepsi Cup Tournament Rules (5-a-side)

 

Format & Duration

  • Team size: 4 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper, with squads up to 8 and rolling substitutions allowed
  • Substitutions: Unlimited and rolling, permitted at any stoppage. If improperly made, it may result in an indirect free kick.
  • Minimum players: A match must be abandoned if a team permanently loses more than 2 players (excluding sin-bin situations). This team will be eliminated from the tournament.
  • Match length: 10 minutes one way. In the event of a draw, penalty shootout (3 each and sudden death)

Equipment & Safety

  • Shin guards (recommended), appropriate footwear, no jewellery.

Refereeing & Discipline

  • Card System: Yellow cards will be issued for minor offences and will result in a 2-minute temporary suspension (sin-bin). If a red card is issued, then that player will be suspended from the rest of the tournament.
  • Referee’s authority: Full enforcement of these laws throughout the match. Respect referee and opponents.

Ball Restarts & Goalkeeper Rules

  • Back-pass: After distribution, the goalkeeper can only receive the ball if it has touched an opponent or at least two teammates
  • Distribution: Underarm throws only; deliberate kicks only allowed during a save
  • Barrier restrictions: Players can’t hold onto barriers to shield the ball – indirect free kick if they do. Out of play is when the ball leaves the pitch. This will result in a kick in. All opposition players must be 3 yards away when the kick-in is played.
  • Height restrictions: A height limit is in place. If the ball is played above head height, an indirect free kick is awarded; special rules apply within the penalty area.

Fouls & Discipline

  • Sliding tackles banned; only standing challenges allowed
  • Back-pass rule: After GK distribution, player cannot return to GK directly; indirect free kick from where pass originated
  • Free kicks: All indirect; opponents must stand 3 yards away
  • Penalties: Taken from spot (7 yards); defenders stay outside GK area; 1-yard run-up allowed