Khon kaen: The GLO Cup 2026, a prestigious youth football championship in the Northeast Upper Region, concluded with thrilling victories by Thanaphat Car Center and Nongbua Pichaya FC in the U13 and U15 categories, respectively.
According to Thai News Agency, the event, held in Khon Kaen Province, saw four teams from each age group, alongside players from the GLO STAR project, qualifying for the Thailand National Championship. The closing ceremony was officiated by Ms. Supichaya Nitathvorakul, Deputy Director of the Government Lottery Office, who commended the athletes for their performances.
In a nail-biting Under-13 final, Thanapat Car Center emerged victorious after a penalty shootout against PWK Prasat Wittayakarn, following a 1-1 draw. PWK initially led in injury time, but Thanapat's resilience forced the game into penalties, where they clinched a 3-1 win.
The Under-15 final was equally intense, with Nongbua Pichaya FC securing a 1-0 win over KDC Korat Sports. "Phaya Kaichon Junior" scored the decisive goal in the final minutes, ensuring their place in the national finals for a second year.
The top four teams in each category from the upper Northeast region have now qualified for the national championship. For the U13s, these are Thanapat Car Center, PWK Neurosciences School, The Four Heavenly Kings Academy, and Korat City. In the U15s, Nongbua Pitchaya FC, KDC Korat Sports, Sakon Thawapi School, and RACHINUTHIT 2 SPORT PROGRAM will advance.
Ms. Supichaya Nitathvorakul highlighted the GLO Cup as a significant platform for youth, emphasizing how the competition showcases talent and sportsmanship, while fostering community support. She noted the impressive performances of teams from remote areas, underscoring the potential of youth when given proper opportunities.
Additionally, the GLO STAR project selected 11 young footballers from the region for the national selection round. The U13 selection includes players like Adithep Sridapalee from PWK Neurosciences School and Thanakrit Kamchana from Thanaphat Car Center. The U15 list features Naracha Kulraj from Nongbua Pitchaya FC and Tephat Phutphong from KDC Korat Sports, among others.
The GLO STAR project aims to select players from all seven regions in Thailand for a national championship. A select group will participate in a GLO STAR Camp, with an opportunity for the top players to train with Avispa Fukuoka Football Club in Japan.
The next stage of the GLO Cup 2026 will be held in the lower northeastern region in Ubon Ratchathani Province from June 16-21, 2026, with competitions hosted at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University's campuses.