GLO Cup 2026 Draw Set For National Youth Football Championship

The Government Lottery Office (GLO) and Thai Football Development Foundation held a press conference and draw ceremony on July 9, 2026 for the GLO Cup 2026 national championship round of 8-a-side youth football competition. Phan Thon Sansanakham, GLO director, presided over the event alongside senior officials and Air Chief Marshal Piyapongse Phiwowan, chairman of the Thai Football Development Foundation, along with national team players Theersil Dangda and Chanatheep Sorngkrasinthorn, and GLO STAR 2025 participants who discussed the program's achievements and readiness before entering the national championship round.

Phan Thon Sansanakham revealed that GLO Cup 2026 has completed its regional rounds across all seven regions, witnessing the outstanding potential of Thai youth from schools, clubs, and communities nationwide, all given equal opportunity to showcase their abilities. The competition provides children with valuable lessons in discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and rule respect—essential foundations for growth as both athletes and quality citizens.

"The national championship will unite the top teams from all seven regions, promising exciting and engaging matches," he said. "The GLO STAR program represents another crucial step in identifying exceptional players for development opportunities with Avispa Fukuoka in Japan, inspiring Thai youth to pursue their dreams under the concept of 'Opportunities That Can Become Reality.'"

Air Chief Marshal Piyapongse Phiwowan noted that youth player quality has visibly improved across all regions this year. Many teams display better tactical systems, with players showing stronger game understanding, decisive play, and more distinctive individual abilities than previous years. The national championship will serve as the most intense test, as all teams have already competed through regional tournaments.

National team player Theersil Dangda stated: "I believe every player reaching the national championship is already a winner in their own right, having endured months of competitive matches. What matters most is enjoying the game and displaying your full potential."

National team player Chanatheep Sorngkrasinthorn encouraged all participants to be bold in playing and showcasing their abilities. "Participating in GLO Cup or GLO STAR could be the start of a professional football career. The key is never stop developing yourself and protect your dreams, because opportunities can truly change our lives."

The national championship will run from July 29 to August 2, 2026 at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang Sports Complex and Suphachalasai Stadium. July 29-30 features group stage matches with 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, playing round-robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout round of 16 on July 31, followed by semifinals.