Opening of the National U13 Youth Football Championship – Yamaha Cup 2026 Finals

The tournament is supported by Yamaha Motor Vietnam Co., Ltd. along with numerous sponsors, marking 30 years of development for the most prestigious youth football playground in the country.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Phan Khue emphasized that youth football training has always been a crucial foundation for the development of Vietnamese football. Over the past 30 years, the National Youth and Children's Football Championship system, organized by Thieu Nien Tien Phong and Nhi Dong Newspaper, has become a reputable platform, contributing to the discovery and nurturing of many talents for the nation's football.

According to Mr. Nguyen Phan Khue, each season crowns a champion, but the greatest success lies in igniting passion, resilience, a spirit of dedication, and a sense of discipline among young players. Many talents who have emerged from this playground have gone on to represent the national team, such as Dinh Bac, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Duy Manh, Doan Van Hau, etc., affirming the tournament's role in Vietnam's youth football training system.

The Head of the Organizing Committee also affirmed that youth football not only teaches children how to win but also fosters willpower, teamwork, honesty, and responsibility. With the goal of "nurturing football talent – educating character – for the future of Vietnamese football," the Organizing Committee hopes the tournament will continue to be an environment where young players can develop comprehensively, both professionally and personally.

This year's finals bring together 16 outstanding U13 teams from across the country, who advanced through qualifying rounds held in Hai Phong, Dak Lak, and Quang Ngai. The participating teams include: Hai Phong, Hanoi Football Club, The Cong Viettel, Cong An Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Song Lam Nghe An, Dong A Thanh Hoa, Gia Lai, T&T Nghe An, LPBank Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dong Nai, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Football Academy, Ho Chi Minh City, Cong An Ho Chi Minh City, and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City. The final round matches will take place in Hai Phong from July 1 to 14.

Mr. Nguyen Phan Khue expressed confidence that, with the guidance and attention of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the coordination of the Vietnam Football Federation, the thorough preparation of Hai Phong City, and the partnership of Yamaha Motor Vietnam and other sponsors, the tournament will be held safely, professionally, excitingly, and successfully.

Addressing the players, the Head of the Organizing Committee wished for them to compete with all their passion, uphold the spirit of unity, honesty, and sportsmanship, give their utmost in every match, and create a memorable season in the dynamic and hospitable city of Hai Phong.

At the opening ceremony, the Organizing Committee presented commemorative flags to the 16 participating teams and the referee team. Right after the opening ceremony, the opening match between the host team U13 Hai Phong and U13 T&T Nghe An took place at Lach Tray Stadium, officially launching the journey to conquer the championship of the National U13 Youth Football Championship – Yamaha Cup 2026.