The tournament was organized by the Vietnam-Japan Friendship International Association (FAVIJA), under the sponsorship of the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan and with coordination and support from local authorities.

This year’s tournament attracted nearly 40 registered teams. Following the qualifying round, 24 teams were divided into six groups and competed in a round-robin format simultaneously across six pitches before advancing to the knockout stages to compete for the championship.

Players compete on the pitch. (Photo: FAVIJA)

Hundreds of Vietnamese fans living, studying and working in Japan, along with a large number of local residents, came to the stadium to cheer on the teams. The lively atmosphere in the stands and the players’ enthusiastic competitive spirit created a festive sporting event marked by solidarity, exchange and a shared celebration of the nation’s National Day.

More than just a sporting venue for improving physical health, enhancing spiritual well-being and strengthening bonds within the Vietnamese community living away from home, the tournament also contributed to promoting cultural exchange, strengthening friendship and fostering closer ties between the Vietnamese community and the Japanese people.

The championship trophy is presented to the winning team. (Photo: FAVIJA)

Pham Tuan Anh, Director of the J-Connect telecommunications network, shared: “We are truly grateful for the contributions of young Vietnamese people who are working and dedicating themselves to the development of the company. Therefore, we want to create opportunities for them to take to the field, pursue their passion for football, enjoy a meaningful source of recreation and relieve the fatigue after working hours.”

Wakabe Munehiro, a Japanese fan, expressed his excitement: “This is truly a very meaningful sporting event. I believe that through football and sports, the friendship and bonds between Vietnam and Japan will become increasingly stronger. I hope that at the 2030 World Cup, both the Vietnamese and Japanese national teams will take part.”

After a full day of exciting, intense and engaging competition, FC ISC won the championship. FC Uni-co Hai Phong finished as runners-up. FC Nishio and FC 37 Nagoya shared third place.

Players pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: FAVIJA)

The organizing committee also presented individual awards. Albulu Diego won the Golden Boot; goalkeeper Pham Vuong Cong Phi was named Best Goalkeeper; and Nguyen Xuan Truong An received the tournament’s Best Player award. All three players are members of FC ISC.

Do Quang Ba, Chairman of FAVIJA, said that the four highest-placed teams in the tournament will qualify to participate in the national Vietnamese football championship in Japan for the championship trophy, which is scheduled to take place in Tokyo in November.

The tournament was one of the meaningful community sporting activities that contributed to improving the spiritual well-being and strengthening solidarity among the Vietnamese community in Japan, while also promoting exchange, mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Japan.

Vietnamese Community Football Tournament Held in Japan A football tournament for the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in the Kansai region took place on May 17 at the Kashihara Sports Complex in the ancient capital city of Nara, Japan.

Vietnamese Community Football Tournament Strengthens Unity in Russia The 2026 Vietnamese Community Football Tournament in the Russian Federation officially kicked off on June 22 in Moscow. More than just an annual sporting event, the tournament has become a meaningful community cultural activity, helping to connect Vietnamese people living far from home while promoting a positive image of the community in the host country.