Thai Education Ministry Launches DPE WOW Cup 2026 Football Tournament
Thailand's Department of Physical Education launched the DPE WOW Cup 2026, an under-18 football tournament running August 17 to September 14, 2025, featuring 16 schools competing for national recognition and broadcast live online.
On August 6, 2025, at the Suphachalasai Conference Room, the Department of Physical Education held a press conference and drew lots to organize the 2025 school football championship for the under-18 category B "DPE WOW Cup 2026." Dr. Suthorn Vicharatana, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education, presided over the event, joined by Thotsak Vongchiang Peng, Managing Director of WOW 1971 Company Limited, and Dr. Worrapon Chobchuen, Vice President of the Samut Sakhon Chamber of Commerce.
The Department of Physical Education and WOW 1971 Company Limited are jointly organizing the tournament for under-18 category B teams, which will run from August 17 to September 14, 2025. The first round will be held at the National Sports University campus in Samut Sakhon, while the quarterfinals through the final will take place at Suphachalasai Stadium and the National Sports Stadium. All matches will be broadcast live on the Department of Physical Education's Facebook page.
Sixteen teams will compete in the tournament, divided into four groups: Group 1 includes Wichuthit School, Nakhon Ratchasima Municipal Sports School, Kanthararam School, and Assumption School; Group 2 features Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Hua Hin Wittayakom, Khon Kaen Provincial Sports School, and Taksin School Rayong; Group 3 includes Rachawinit Bankaew School, Nakhonnonthawicha 6 Sports School, Suphan Buri Provincial Sports School, and Khao Chao-ang Forest School; Group 4 comprises Pichayabundit School, Wat Na Wong School, Nakhon Pathom Municipal Sports School, and Panthaiyannara Witthaya School.
Dr. Suthorn Vicharatana stated, "The Department of Physical Education is confident that the DPE WOW Cup 2026 will be a platform for student footballers to showcase their skills developed through a year of rigorous training. This tournament is important for raising the potential of Thai footballers and aims to provide children, students, and youth with opportunities to develop their sports abilities and build competition experience in their preferred sports, preparing them for professional and national-level competitions in the future."
Thotsak Vongchiang Peng remarked, "Our company recognizes the importance of developing school-level football. We have previously supported under-16 category B competitions, and now we are also supporting the under-18 category. As a manufacturer and distributor of sportswear, we are providing uniforms, coaching staff outfits, referee kits, and covering other tournament expenses. We hope WOW 1971 will be instrumental in elevating the quality of school football and helping players advance toward professional careers."
