Young Players Compete in Ho Chi Minh City's World Cup 2026 Football Season

The city of Ho Chi Minh City buzzed with excitement on June 14 as the qualifying rounds for the 2026 HTV Cup youth football tournament kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony at Tao Dan Stadium. The event marked the beginning of a competition aimed at nurturing young football talent across the city.

Young aspiring footballers experienced a memorable moment when they met star players from the Ho Chi Minh City women's team and the Vietnam national team. Among the celebrated athletes were striker Huynh Nhu, goalkeeper Kim Thanh, and midfielder Thuy Trang, who inspired the children with their presence.

Following the ceremony, the first qualifying matches commenced simultaneously across three locations: Tao Dan Stadium (Zone 1), the Community Sports Field (Zone 2), and Ba Ria Stadium (Zone 3). The tournament is a collaborative effort between Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV), the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, and the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation (HFF), operating under the theme "Dreaming of the Pitch."

The competition is scheduled to run from June 15 to August 3, encompassing two age categories: the U13 (teenagers) and U11 (children) groups. Teams from various communes, wards, and districts within the city will participate. The qualifying rounds will take place from June 15 to July 3, after which the top teams will advance to the finals, held from July 4 to July 12 in Ba Ria ward.

Attractive prizes await the winners in both age groups. The championship team will receive a cup, gold medals, and a cash prize of 50 million VND. The runner-up will receive 30 million VND, and the third-place team will get 20 million VND. Individual awards will also be presented for categories such as "Top Scorer," "Best Goalkeeper," "Best Player," and a fair play award. Additionally, the organizers will offer scholarships to students facing financial difficulties who demonstrate academic promise and exceptional football talent, providing them with support to overcome life's challenges.