2026 Women’s U13 Festival: Hong Ngu Dong Thap Crowned Champions

Attending the final and presenting awards at the 2026 Women’s U13 Festival were Mr. Ho Hong Thach, Member of the VFF Executive Committee and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of VPF; Mr. Ngo Be, President of the Dong Thap Football Federation; Mr. Vuong Thanh Trung, General Secretary of the Dong Thap Football Federation; Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of Cao Lanh Ward People’s Committee; Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tien, President of the Vinh Long Football Federation; Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phat, General Secretary of the Vinh Long Football Federation; Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuc, Chief of Office of the Can Tho Football Federation; Mr. Luong Hoang Minh, Vice Rector of the Dong Thap School for Sports and Physical Education; and Mr. Eric Abrams, FIFA Expert.

The final featured a meeting between Thoi Lai Can Tho and Hong Ngu Dong Thap. With a stronger squad and more cohesive style of play, Hong Ngu Dong Thap immediately went on the attack from the opening whistle. The pressure from their opponents forced Thoi Lai Can Tho to drop deep and focus on defending to keep a clean sheet.

However, the team from Tay Do could only hold out for half of the opening period. In the 16th minute, Ngoc Tien produced a fine curling effort to open the scoring for Hong Ngu Dong Thap. Before the end of the first half, Ngoc Tien struck again from close range to double the lead to 2-0.

In the second half, Hong Ngu Dong Thap continued to dominate proceedings. In the 31st minute, Ngoc Vy scored a superb long-range effort to make it 3-0. Ngoc Vy struck again in the 45th minute to complete the 4-0 victory for Hong Ngu Dong Thap, securing the championship title.

In the third-place play-off, Sen Hong Dong Thap defeated Thuong Phuoc Dong Thap 4-0, with goals from My Ngoc (6’, 46’), Kim Ngan (37’) and Nhu Y (42’).

Earlier, on the evening of 26 September, following the conclusion of the semi-finals, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) held a gala event to mark the festival’s conclusion, attended by players from all eight participating teams.

At the gala, FIFA Expert Eric Abrams shared his views on the importance of the 2026 Women’s U13 Festival in the development of women’s football and football as a whole, not only in Vietnam but around the world. The FIFA representative encouraged the young players to continue training after the festival, noting that even if they do not go on to become professional footballers, they could pursue other roles in the game, such as referees or coaches, or become passionate football fans in the future. Above all, Eric Abrams emphasised that playing and training in football is also a good way to stay healthy and physically fit.

Also at the gala, on behalf of the VFF, Deputy General Secretary and Head of the Organising Committee Nguyen Thanh Ha expressed his appreciation to the Dong Thap Football Federation, Dong Thap University and other relevant organisations for their cooperation with the VFF in successfully organising the 2026 Women’s U13 Festival.

Deputy General Secretary Nguyen Thanh Ha praised the teams for their efforts and performances on the pitch, while expressing his hope that the clubs would regard the festival as a foundation and source of motivation to continue training and make meaningful contributions to the development of women’s football in Vietnam in the future.

Speaking at the gala, the players expressed their hope that the Women’s U13 Festival would continue in the future, providing a valuable platform for young female players. They noted that youth women’s football players have relatively few opportunities to interact and compete, which are important for gaining experience and improving their skills.