Meeting on preparations for the U23 International Friendly Football Tournament – Gia Lai Cup 2026
On October 6, at Pleiku Stadium, the Gia Lai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a meeting to inspect the facilities and coordinate preparations for the U23 International Friendly Football Tournament – Gia Lai Cup 2026.
10/10/2026 17:21:34
The meeting was held to implement Official Letter No. 12169/UBND-KGVX, dated September 30, 2026, issued by the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee regarding the province’s agreement to host and coordinate the tournament, and to ensure that preparations are carried out as effectively as possible.
Attendees from the Gia Lai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism included Deputy Director Nguyễn Văn Ý and representatives from the Provincial Police; Department of Health; Provincial Newspaper, Radio and Television; Pleiku Ward People’s Committee; LPBank Hoàng Anh Gia Lai Sports Joint Stock Company; and HAGL Football Club, represented by Nguyễn Tấn Anh, member of the VFF Executive Committee and the club’s Chief Executive Officer. Representatives from the Department’s Office and its Physical Education and Sports Management Division also attended.
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) delegation comprised Deputy Secretary General Nguyễn Minh Châu; Chief of Office Cao Ngọc Cẩm; Head of Communications Nguyễn Thu Hà; and Lê Công Đức Anh of the Sponsorship Department.
At the meeting, attendees heard the VFF’s implementation plan. Representatives from Gia Lai’s departments and agencies expressed their support and commitment to working with the Organising Committee on matters related to the tournament.
This will be the first time Gia Lai has hosted a major international tournament featuring high-calibre invited teams. The event is expected to attract large crowds from the province and neighbouring areas, while also providing an opportunity to showcase the locality to people across Vietnam and international visitors. Attendees agreed that preparations must be prioritised to ensure the tournament’s success. Pleiku Stadium is undergoing renovation and upgrades, including the replanting of its grass pitch after the rainy season, to meet functional, technical, security and safety requirements.
Accommodation, catering and transport arrangements have also been made for the teams, coaching staff and refereeing team.
Strict security and safety measures are required before, during and after the tournament. Communications and promotion will also be prioritised to build interest and broaden the event’s reach.
Nguyễn Văn Ý, Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the U23 International Friendly Football Tournament – Gia Lai Cup 2026 is part of the programme of events for Gia Lai National Tourism Year 2026, themed “The Great Forest Meets the Blue Sea.”
On behalf of HAGL, Nguyễn Tấn Anh, VFF Executive Committee member and the club’s Chief Executive Officer, reported on coordination with the VFF and relevant organisations regarding preparations for the tournament, including technical matters and facilities.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Gia Lai from November 10 to 14.
