2026 Open Football Tests: Calendar, Opportunities and How to Prepare

Open trials remain one of the most accessible ways for unrepresented players to get a chance at professional or semi-professional football. Every year, hundreds of clubs in Europe, South America, the United States and other regions organize tests where any player can register, show up, and demonstrate their level.

But be realistic: not all open trials are the same, not all end in contract, and many are more business than genuine opportunity. In this article I explain where there are open tests in 2026, how to differentiate real opportunities from scams, when is the best time to introduce yourself, and what you need to maximize your chances.

What this article covers

What Open Tests Are and How They Work
Calendar 2026: when tests are carried out by region
Major countries and leagues with open testing
Exhibition and showcase events: the alternative
International academies with testing programmes
How to identify scams and fraudulent evidence
What you need to introduce yourself
The real cost: how much to invest and what to expect

What Open Tests Are and How They Work

An open test is a public call organised by a club where any player who meets the requirements (usually age and minimum level) can register. The typical format lasts between half a day and a week, and includes technical exercises, reduced matches and full pitch matches. The club’s evaluators observe the players and select those they are interested in for a deeper evaluation, a training period, or directly an incorporation to the campus.

Key fact: Open tests are more common in Minor and semi-professional leagues The major European clubs rarely do open tests — they prefer to identify players through their scout network. Where they are frequent, they are in the third to sixth division of England, in the lower categories of Spanish football (1st RFEF to 3rd RFEF), in Scandinavian leagues, and in leagues in countries with less saturated markets (Iceland, Finland, Estonia, among others).

Calendar 2026: when tests are carried out by region

The time of the year in which open trials are organized depends on the calendar of each league. The general rule: the tests are concentrated in the preseasonWhen the clubs are setting up their campuses for the new season.

Region/Liga	Season	Best time for testing
England (EFL, National League, regional leagues)	August - May	May - July (preseason) Many clubs publish calls in May-June.
Spain (1st RFEF to 3rd RFEF, Third Division)	August - May	June - July The academies offer testing programs throughout the European summer.
Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland)	March - November	January - March Leagues with calendar calendar of calendar year.
United States (MLS NEXT Pro, USL, NISA)	March - November	January - February (preseason) Many USL and NISA clubs run tests in January.
South America (national leagues)	Variable by country	December - February (pre-seasoned in most countries) Formal tests are less common; scouts and agents are recommended.
Portugal, Germany, Italy, France	August - May	June - August. Open tests are less frequent than in England or Spain; tests by invitation predominate.

Main opportunities by country

England: the most accessible market

England has the most developed open testing ecosystem in the world. From the National League (fifth division) to regional leagues, hundreds of clubs organize public calls each season. Sites like B1NJO Sports publish updated open testing listings with dates, requirements and contact.

Typical requirements: having played at a level equivalent to or above that offered by the club (e.g. a sixth division club requires experience in fifth division or equivalent), being more than 16-18 years old according to the club, and sending a Sports CV and/or Highlights video prior to the call.

Spain: academies and tests with professional clubs

Spain is the most popular destination for international players looking for tests in Europe. There are two main routes: direct trials with clubs (less frequent and generally by invitation or through agencies) and programmes of international academies that train players and connect them to local clubs for testing.

Organizations such as Alicante Football Academy, Spanish Soccer Trials, Football Forward, and IFX Soccer offer programs that include training, accommodation, and testing with clubs of different categories of Spanish football. Prices vary significantly: from €500 for a week of testing to €20,000+ for annual programs with academy and residence.

Scandinavia: the gateway to Europe

The leagues in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland are an excellent choice for players who want to gain professional experience in Europe. The level is competitive but accessible, the leagues are well organized, and many clubs are open to international players. NF Academy (Scandinavia) organizes evaluation events that connect players with academies of European clubs such as Sporting CP.

United States: minor leagues and university system

The USL (United Soccer League) and NISA (National Independent Soccer Association) have clubs that organize open pre-season tests. In addition, the university system (NCAA, NAIA) offers Sports scholarships combining football and studies — a particularly relevant track for players under the age of 23.

Exhibition and showcase events

In addition to the open trials of individual clubs, there are exhibition events organized by specialized companies where multiple scouts and coaches from different clubs watch players in exhibition matches. These events are usually more effective than the massive open tests because:

There's confirmed scouts specific clubs (not just "observers")
Groups are smaller (20-50 players instead of 200)
Received custom feedback at the end of the event
The best players can be connected to clubs for individual testing

Caution: Not all shows are legitimate. Before paying, check who the organizers are, which clubs/scouts are going to be present, and if they have a verifiable track record of players placed. Ask for names of players who have signed a contract through the event and check them. If they don’t give you that information, it’s an alarm signal.

How to identify scams and fraudulent evidence

Alarm signals

They guarantee you a contract. No one can guarantee you're going to sign, and if someone promises before watching you play, it's a scam.
The cost is disproportionate. A one-day test should not cost more than €50-150. If you are charged €1,000+ for a half-day "open test" without accommodation or additional services, be suspicious.
They don't say which clubs participate. A legitimate event names scouts and clubs that will be present. If everything is vague ("first division clubs") without specific names, it is suspicious.
They have no verifiable record. Ask for names of players who have signed a contract through them. Search them on Transfermarkt or on the social networks of the clubs. If you can't verify anything, avoid.
They're asking for money in advance without a contract. Any legitimate service will give you a contract with clear terms before asking for money. If you are pressured to pay quickly "because there are few places left," it is a sales tactic, not a real opportunity.
They contact you without you doing anything. If you receive an Instagram message saying "we have seen your profile and want to invite you to an exclusive test", and you never uploaded a video or contacted anyone, it's almost certainly a scam.

What you need to introduce yourself

Before enrolling in any test, be ready:

You. Sports CV updated (or better yet, your profile in Soccer CV with data, video and contact integrated in a single link)
You. Highlights video 3-5 minutes + 1-2 full matches available
Passport valid if you travel abroad
Medical insurance covering sports activity in the country of destination
Complete equipment: booties (for natural and synthetic grass), canisters, training clothes
Physical condition of preseason: do not attend a test without training at least 8 weeks with intensity
Budget to cover your expenses (travel, accommodation, food) — most tests do not cover these costs

The real cost

Type of opportunity	Approximate cost	What's included
Open Club Trial (1 day)	Free - €150	The test itself. Travel and accommodation on your own.
Exhibition event (1-3 days)	€200 - €800	Show games with scouts. Sometimes it includes accommodation.
Academic Program + Tests (1-4 weeks)	€1,500 - €5,000	Daily training, accommodation, meals, club trials, professional feedback.
Annual Academy Programme	€10,000 - €25,000	Comprehensive training: training, residence, food, periodic tests, personalized follow-up.

In addition to the cost of the program, add international travel (airfare), visa (if applicable), medical insurance, and daily expenses. A week of tests in Spain can cost between €1,000 and €3,000 all inclusive (programme + travel + accommodation). It is a significant investment — that is why it is so important to investigate well before committing your money.

Maximize your chances

Before investing in travel and testing, make sure you have a professional profile that works for you 24 hours a day. Soccer CV with your data, statistics, video and contact allows any club, scout or agent in the world to evaluate you without having to travel. Many opportunities are generated when a scout discovers your online profile — not just when you show up in person. Make your talent visible before to spend on a plane ticket.

This guide was prepared based on public information from clubs, academies and organizations specializing in football tests. Date and cost data are indicative and may vary — always check directly with the organizer before committing money. If you are building your career in football, create your profile in CV Football And make your talent visible to those who can give you the next chance.

2026 Open Football Tests: Calendar, Opportunities and How to Prepare