Two youth champions on the European stage: FCZ U19 host Maccabi Tel Aviv U19
Two national champions, one international stage: On Wednesday 28 October 2026, FC Zurich’s Under-19s will face Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Under-19s at the Letzigrund Stadium.
Kick-off is at 7.00 pm, when the young talents from both clubs will be competing in the second round of the UEFA Youth League’s ‘Champions Path’ for a favourable position ahead of the second leg – and for the chance to take the next step on the European stage.
To Europe as Swiss champions
FCZ U19 have had a successful season. In the spring of 2026, the Zurich side first secured the Swiss U19 Cup and then capped off their season by winning the league title.
In the play-off final against FC Basel, FCZ ran out 2–0 winners, thereby completing the domestic double. At the same time, the team secured their place in the UEFA Youth League.
Now the next challenge awaits at the Letzigrund – and it, too, is a national champion.
Champions versus Champions
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s U19 side are also travelling to Zurich as reigning champions. The youth team won the Israeli U19 Championship in 2026, securing their first title in eight years.
This means that two teams who have earned their place at national level will face each other at the Letzigrund.
For the young players, the UEFA Youth League means far more than just another league match: international opponents, new styles of play and the chance to measure themselves against some of Europe’s most exciting youth teams make the competition a special platform on the path to professional football.
A European evening at the Letzigrund
The clash in Zurich is the first leg of the second round of the Champions Path. A week later, on 4 November 2026, the return leg against Maccabi Tel Aviv will take place.
The team that comes out on top over the two legs will progress to the third round, where they will face the winner of the tie between Farul Constanța and Sheriff Tiraspol. Ultimately, ten teams will be selected via the Champions’ Path to reach the round of 32 in the UEFA Youth League.
For the FCZ youngsters, this represents a chance to continue their European journey – and for the Zurich crowd, an opportunity to experience international youth football right here at the Letzigrund.
Perhaps there will be one or two players on the pitch who, a few years later, will be seen again on an even bigger European stage.
You can find all the information on travel, admission requirements, prohibited items and other topics directly in the Football Info Centre.
