The opening ceremony for the U14 Gia Lai International Festival 2026 took place on the afternoon of 11/5 at Pleiku stadium. The event was organized by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), HAGL FC, and Gia Lai province.

Five domestic teams are participating from youth training centers: HAGL, PVF, SLNA, Ha Noi, and Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc. Additionally, seven international teams are competing: U14 Malaysia, Jubilo Iwata (Japan), Gangwon FC and Mohyeon (South Korea), Shenzhen (China), Chonburi (Thailand), and Kham Say (Laos).

The tournament is held to celebrate National Tourism Year 2026, hosted in Gia Lai with the theme "Gia Lai - The great source touching the blue sea".

Vietnam national team coach Kim Sang-sik attended the matches to support the young players. According to the organizing committee, former national team coach Park Hang-seo will attend the closing ceremony.

This festival is Bau Duc's initiative, as he shared that after more than 20 years in football, he and HAGL "have yet to organize a proper youth tournament".

Bau Duc stated that with this festival, he is reliving his early days in youth football. Nearly 20 years ago, he often brought a chair to the HAGL academy in Ham Rong to watch players like Cong Phuong, Tuan Anh, and Xuan Truong practice.

"We cannot underestimate youth football, as these young players determine the future of our nation's football. If we neglect youth football and training, Vietnamese football will fall behind. Therefore, these children need continuous playing opportunities to develop", he said.

After the opening ceremony, the first match took place between host HAGL and Jubilo Iwata (Japan). After 60 minutes, the U14 host team won 1-0.

In other matches: SLNA drew 3-3 with Malaysia, Gangwon lost 0-2 to Khamsay, Shenzhen drew 2-2 with PVF, and Chonburi defeated Ha Noi 2-1. The tournament runs until 15/5/2026 at Pleiku stadium and Ham Rong Center, Gia Lai.

The matches are not only an opportunity for young Vietnamese players to showcase their talent but also to learn and interact with foreign players, while fostering their awareness and ethics. Pictured are U14 HAGL players bowing to opponent Jubilo Iwata after the match.

Duc Dong