12 Teams From 4 Nations Compete in Diamond Cup U-14 Youth Soccer
Twelve youth soccer teams from Thailand, Japan, Australia, and Vietnam will compete in the Diamond Cup U-14 tournament from July 29 to August 2, 2026, marking the fifth edition of what has become Asia's premier under-14 competition.
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Diamond Cup U-14 Thailand 2026 youth soccer tournament is entering its fifth year with significant expansion, growing from 8 to 12 teams representing Thailand, Japan, Australia, and Vietnam. Players aged 14 and under will compete from July 29 to August 2, 2026, at Thunderdome Stadium and Emporium Sports Field to showcase their abilities and gain international experience.
Organized through collaboration between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Thailand) and Muangthong United, the tournament aims to develop youth soccer talent and provide Thai youth opportunities to compete against leading Asian clubs. Since its inception, the competition has grown from just 4 teams in the first year to 24 total participating teams, with 12 advancing to the final round, making it one of Thailand's largest under-14 youth soccer tournaments.
Hideo Kurosawa, General Manager of Sports Promotion Center at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Thailand), stated the tournament has become Asia's premier under-14 youth soccer competition and expressed commitment to continuing support for developing young soccer players. Suraphol Jamrun, head of professional sports development at the Sports Authority of Thailand, emphasized that youth development is fundamental to developing professional football, and public-private cooperation creates sustainable opportunities for young athletes.
Ranrit Suavaja, director of Muangthong United, noted the club has always prioritized youth development and believes international competition elevates technical skills, experience, and professional standards of young footballers, strengthening Thailand's football future.
The 12 final-round teams include Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Sydney FC (Australia), Hanoi FC and Ninh Binh FC (Vietnam), and Thai clubs Assachaisai United (2025 champions), Muangthong United, Assumption United, Triam Udom School, Bangkok Christian College, Pram Bangkok, Ban Kao School, and Chaiyaphum Provincial Administrative School. Teams are divided into four groups for competition.
