Bangkok: The GLO Cup 2026 has commenced with the aim of developing young football talents in Thailand, focusing on Under-13 and Under-15 age groups. This initiative provides a platform for young players to build their future in football, including opportunities for selection into the GLO STAR project for training in Japan's J-League.
According to Thai News Agency, the event was officially launched by the Government Lottery Office (GLO) in collaboration with the Thai Football Development Foundation at a press conference held on February 10, 2026. The championship offers over 1 million baht in prize money and seeks to continue the mission of GLO to contribute to society by supporting Thai youth. Selected players will receive training with leading clubs in Japan's J-League for six months.
Building on the success of the 2025 event, the GLO Cup 2026 serves as a platform for creating opportunities for Thai youth. The Government Lottery Office has reiterated its commitment to expanding the initiative following the successful dispatch of the first six GLO STAR youth players to train with Avispa Fukuoka in Japan's J-League.
The press conference was attended by notable figures including Mr. Laworn Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Mongkol Wimolrat, Director-General of the Department of Physical Education; Lieutenant Colonel Noon Sansanakom, Director of the Government Lottery Office; and Air Chief Marshal Piyapong Pue-on, President of the Thai Football Development Foundation. Former Thai national football players also attended, offering encouragement and sharing their experiences.
Mr. Lawaron Saengsanit highlighted the mission of the Government Lottery Office to give back to society by creating opportunities for Thai children. The GLO Cup 2026 is seen as a tool for constructive engagement of youth, helping them develop physically, mentally, and socially through sports.
Mr. Mongkol Wimolrat emphasized the Department of Physical Education's readiness to integrate sports science technology for assessing and developing young athletes. This approach aims to provide a guideline for individual training and advice for coaches and parents on building the well-being of young athletes.
Lieutenant Colonel Noon Sansanakom stated that the success of GLO Cup 2025 has reinforced their commitment to the GLO Cup 2026, focusing on tangible opportunities for youth to train with J-League clubs, emphasizing learning in football, discipline, and life skills.
Air Chief Marshal Piyapong Pue-on noted the GLO Cup 2026 as an important platform for sustainable youth development, aligning with international football approaches. The competition format involves a regional division, with regional champions advancing to the national finals in September 2026.
The GLO Cup 2026 is currently accepting registrations from February 11th to March 20th, 2026, for the national championship designed for 8-a-side youth football teams.