Brazilian-style high school dominance! Kanthararom clinches double championships in penalty shootouts at GLO Cup 2026 Lower Northeastern zone.
The 8-a-side youth football championship of Thailand, organized by the Government Lottery Office, concluded its Lower Northeastern zone qualifiers in Ubon Ratchathani Province after matches from 16 to 21 June 2026. Four teams from each age group U13 and U15 advanced to the national championship, and players for the GLO STAR program in this region were finalized.
Over six days, youth teams from across the region competed, with 48 teams per age group and more than 1,000 participants including athletes and coaches, amid an atmosphere filled with determination, dreams, and the development of Thai youth potential through sport.
The final day was lively, with Colonel Noon Sansanakom, Director of the Government Lottery Office, officiating the awards ceremony and congratulating all athletes and clubs for their contributions to the vibrant week-long competition.
In the U13 final, Nongbua Pitchaya FC Academy drew 1-1 with Kanthararom School U13 in regular time. Kanthararom then won the penalty shootout 3-2, claiming the Lower Northeastern regional championship.
In the U15 final, Kanthararom School faced BYU Nongki FC, ending 1-1 after regular play. Nicknamed the “Brazilian High School,” Kanthararom edged out a 2-0 victory in penalties to secure the championship, achieving an impressive double title for both U13 and U15 in the Lower Northeastern zone.
The four semifinalist teams from each age group earned the right to represent the Lower Northeastern zone in the national championship round.
The U13 teams are:
Kanthararom School U13 (Champion)
Nongbua Pitchaya FC Academy (Runner-up)
Phat Academy U13 (3rd place)
J Fam United U13 (4th place)
The U15 teams are:
Kanthararom School (Champion)
BYU Nongki FC (Runner-up)
Sikhro Phumisai (3rd place)
Uthumphon Chulamanee FC B (4th place)
Colonel Noon Sansanakom, Director of the Government Lottery Office, stated,
“The GLO Cup has reached its sixth venue, and what we clearly see across all regions is the vast potential of Thai youth. Many children possess impressive skills, abilities, and determination. Some come from small schools or community teams, but when given the right opportunities and platforms, they can showcase excellent potential.”
“It is gratifying to witness athletes' development not only in skill but also in discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and learning to coexist with others — values that sport imparts to youth.”
“The GLO Cup focuses not just on finding champions but on creating opportunities nationwide for children to display their talents and pursue their dreams. Meanwhile, the GLO STAR project helps identify outstanding players from every region to advance their development to higher levels.”
Meanwhile, the GLO STAR project selected nine outstanding youth players from the Lower Northeastern zone qualifiers for further national selection: four in U13 and five in U15.
GLO STAR U13 players:
1. Thewichakorn Yosmongkol (Nongbua Pitchaya FC Academy)
2. Atthapon Srisuay (Kanthararom School U13)
3. Peeradol Malasri (Nongbua Pitchaya FC Academy)
4. Pakornkiat Phuengpaisan (Phat Academy U13)
GLO STAR U15 players:
1. Natthapong Srisuay (Kanthararom School)
2. Winthon Khukhalamo (Kanthararom School)
3. Thanaphum Jodnok (BYU Nongki FC)
4. Narawit Bussabong (Kanthararom School)
5. Thanaphat Khopheung (BYU Nongki FC)
The GLO STAR project will conduct selections from all seven regions nationwide before the national championship, reducing players to 15 per age group for the GLO STAR Camp, and then to 3 per group for the final selection. Those selected will earn the significant opportunity to train in Japan for six months with Avispa Fukuoka, a leading J-League club.
The GLO Cup 2026 qualifiers have one final region remaining before the national championship, which will be held in the Northern zone from 30 June to 5 July 2026 in Lamphun Province. The U13 matches will take place at the Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization Stadium, and the U15 matches at Pa Ha Stadium.
This will determine the Northern representatives and final GLO STAR players before they join the national championship to find Thailand’s top 8-a-side youth football teams for 2026.
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