Bangkok: The Government Lottery Office (GLO), in partnership with the Thai Football Development Foundation, hosted a press conference and draw ceremony for the GLO Cup 2026, an 8-a-side youth football tournament. The event, which marks the national championship round, was presided over by Lieutenant Colonel Noon Sansanakom, Director of the Government Lottery Office, and attended by senior executives from GLO and Air Chief Marshal Piyapong Pue-on, President of the Thai Football Development Foundation. National football icons Teerasil Dangda and Chanathip Songkrasin, along with players from the GLO STAR 2025 project, were also present at the Grand Hall 2, Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok, to discuss the project's achievements and preparations for the national championship.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Noon Sansanakom highlighted the successful completion of the "GLO Cup 2026" across all seven regions, showcasing the potential of Thai youth nationwide. Participants from various schools, clubs, and communities have demonstrated their talents on an equal platform, fostering essential skills such as discipline, teamwork, and respect for rules, which are crucial for their development as athletes and responsible citizens.
The Thailand Championship final will feature the top teams from all seven regions, ensuring a thrilling competition. The GLO STAR project will also play a pivotal role in identifying exceptional talent, offering them the chance to develop their skills with Avispa Fukuoka in Japan and inspiring Thai youth to pursue their dreams under the theme 'Opportunities that can become reality.'
Air Chief Marshal Piyapong Pue-on, overseeing the event, noted the significant improvement in the quality of youth players this year, as evidenced by enhanced playing systems and individual skills. The national championship round promises to be an intense test for all teams that have successfully navigated the regional competitions.
Thai national football team player Teerasil Dangda expressed his belief that reaching the Thai national championship final is an achievement in itself. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and showcasing one's full potential. Chanathip Songkrasin echoed these sentiments, encouraging young players to be confident in their abilities, viewing the GLO Cup or GLO STAR as potential stepping stones to a professional football career. He stressed the importance of continuous self-improvement and keeping dreams alive, as opportunities can indeed transform lives.
The Thailand National Championship is scheduled for July 29th to August 2nd, 2026, at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang Stadium and Supachalasai Stadium. The group stage will take place on July 29th and 30th, with 32 teams in 8 groups competing in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout round of 16, followed by the quarter-finals on July 31st. The finals will occur on August 2nd, 2026, at Supachalasai Stadium.
Additionally, the GLO STAR Thailand Championship final on August 1, 2026, will select 15 players per age group from all seven regions. These players will enter the GLO STAR Camp, with three players per age group eventually chosen to train with Avispa Fukuoka Football Club in Japan for six months, embodying the concept of "Opportunities that can really happen."
Football enthusiasts can follow the draw results for all U13 and U15 teams and stay updated on news and schedules for the Thailand Championship finals via the Facebook Fanpage: GLO Cup and the Government Lottery Office.