35 teams to compete in the 2026 National U9 Football Tournament – Toyota Cup

Attending the press conference were Mr. Vu Van Chuc, Deputy Head of the Youth Affairs Department of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee; writer and journalist Nguyen Phan Khue – Member of the Central Council of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization, Editor-in-Chief of Thieu nien Tien phong va Nhi dong Newspaper and Head of the Organizing Committee; Mr. Nguyen Van Phu – General Secretary of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF); Mr. Hirata Osamu, General Director of Toyota Motor Vietnam, the tournament’s title sponsor; Ms. Le Vu Hong Ngoc, Marketing Director of Dong Luc Joint Stock Company, representing the official match ball and kit sponsor; players from Cong An Ha Noi FC including Bui Xuan Thinh, Ha Van Phuong and Hoang Van Toan; along with club officials and U9 players of Cong An Ha Noi, representing the 35 participating U9 teams.

The National U9 Football Tournament – Toyota Cup is an official competition for players under the age of nine, jointly organized by Thieu nien Tien phong va Nhi dong Newspaper and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), with Toyota Motor Vietnam serving as the title sponsor.

Since its inception in 2021 with 16 participating teams, the tournament has, over five editions, continuously expanded in both scale and quality. It has attracted growing attention from governing bodies, relevant authorities, football fans, and especially young football enthusiasts across the country.

Speaking at the press conference, journalist Nguyen Phan Khue, Editor-in-Chief of Thieu nien Tien phong va Nhi dong Newspaper and Head of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that the support and coordination of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), along with relevant professional bodies, have played a vital role in the tournament’s continuous improvement.

According to him, over the past five years, the U9 tournament has not only provided a meaningful playground but has also gradually built a comprehensive foundation for young players in terms of technical skills, physical development, as well as awareness and competitive spirit. These are essential factors for their long-term growth and their journey toward becoming high-quality players in the future.

He also noted that from the very first editions, the Organizing Committee had set a clear goal of developing a well-structured competition system with stability and a long-term vision.

To date, the National U9 Tournament has established its reputation within the youth competition system, receiving strong support and favorable conditions from localities, clubs, and relevant organizations. The increasingly professional organization not only provides more competitive opportunities for young players but also helps build their confidence and prepares them for the next stages of their football journey.

In 2026, the tournament records the participation of 35 U9 teams—the highest number since its inception—reflecting the strong growth and widespread appeal of grassroots football development.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Quang Ngai from August 9 to 26, featuring teams from training centers, clubs, and localities across the country, including Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Quang Ngai, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City. The diversity of participating teams promises exciting matches and is expected to further enhance the overall quality of the competition.

In addition to the matches, the Organizing Committee will present various awards to outstanding teams and individuals, recognizing their efforts, encouraging competitive spirit, and nurturing a passion for football among young players.

With its expanding scale and increasingly professional organization, the 2026 National U9 Football Tournament – Toyota Cup continues to affirm its role as an important platform within Vietnam’s youth football development system, contributing to the discovery and nurturing of promising talents for the future of the sport.