Youth football tournament kicks off in Taiwan, fostering international ties

The 2026 Taiwan International Football Invitational officially opened in Tamsui today, marking the start of a three-day tournament that runs until August 2. This event, previously known as the Tamsui Cup International Football Championship, aims to foster international exchange and friendship through the sport.

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He likes making many good friends through football and hopes to make Taiwanese football friends this time.

This year's invitational features nine teams from three countries, along with numerous domestic participants. Over two thousand individuals, including players, parents, referees, and volunteers, have gathered in Tamsui, making it a significant annual event for the region. The tournament originated in 2015 from a philosophy of promoting grassroots football education in the Tamsui area, seeking to provide Taiwanese youth with opportunities to engage with the world through football.

Participating teams include MSK19 and FC TORIPLETTA from Tokyo, Japan; GRANDES MONTANA from Miyagi, Japan; Hong Kong Magics from Hong Kong; and the Guam Rovers from Guam, making their first appearance in Taiwan. The Guam Rovers' assistant coach, Cruz, brought his entire family of six to support his son, Adelbai, who scored two goals in a crucial group stage match. Adelbai expressed his enjoyment of making friends through football and hopes to connect with Taiwanese players, noting the similar hot weather to Guam and the delicious food.

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The weather is hot, but it's similar to Guam. The food is also delicious.

FC TORIPLETTA from Tokyo, participating for the second time in the U-10 and U-12 categories, has already secured three consecutive wins in the U-10 group. Player Hajime Miyazawa, who scored twice in the first two matches, enjoys playing on natural grass after training on artificial turf in Tokyo. Team captain Ren Matsumoto praised the Taiwanese food, expressing a desire to try various local dishes. Both players recalled a memorable moment in their first match against Taipei Tianmu, where Matsumoto assisted Miyazawa for the team's first goal of the tournament.

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Because we train on artificial turf in Tokyo, playing on natural grass here makes me very happy.

The Taiwan International Football Invitational continues its mission to connect the world through football, building on the Tamsui Cup's legacy. The tournament aims to be a premier youth football event in the Tamsui region, serving as an important bridge for cultural exchange. Finals for all age groups are scheduled for August 2, with organizers inviting continued support for this growing event.

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The food in Taiwan is delicious. I've eaten braised pork rice in Japan and really hope to try various delicacies here in Taiwan.