BAGO/VICTORIAS – Youth development takes center stage this summer as the 2026 Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National U16–U19 Boys’ Championship officially kicks off on April 29, 2026, in Negros Occidental, gathering the country’s most promising young talents from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The national competition serves as the pinnacle of youth football development in the country, with top clubs representing their respective Regional Football Associations (RFAs) vying for youth supremacy.
This year’s staging underscores the PFF’s sustained commitment to strengthening its grassroots ecosystem and building a robust pipeline for future national team players.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez emphasized the importance of the youth championships in shaping the future of Philippine football:
“The National U16–U19 Championship is a cornerstone of our youth development program, providing young players a platform to compete at the highest level and represent their regions with pride. Through competitions like this, we continue to build a strong foundation for the future of Philippine football.”
The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone with the introduction of the inaugural U16 division, featuring ten RFAs competing in a structured group stage followed by knockout rounds. Matches will be held at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center in Bago City, where young talents will showcase their skills in a highly competitive environment.
Meanwhile, the U19 division will feature a two-tiered competition format. Ten emerging RFAs will be divided into two groups for the national group stage, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the Elite Division of the National Championship. Already securing their places in the U19 Elite Division are the Negros Occidental Regional Football Association, National Capital Region Football Association, Cebu Regional Football Association, and Iloilo-Guimaras Regional Football Organization, setting the stage for a highly competitive final phase to be scheduled later within the year.
Matches in the U19 Emerging Division will take place at the Victorias City National High School Football Field.
The competition format ensures that each participating RFA gains valuable match experience while maintaining a high level of competitiveness across all fixtures. The tournament also provides a critical scouting platform for national team identification, aligning with PFF’s long-term vision of developing homegrown talent capable of competing at the regional and international levels.
With matches scheduled daily throughout the competition period and structured pathways to elite competition, the 2026 PFF National U16–U19 Boys’ Championship is poised to deliver high-intensity football action while fostering camaraderie and regional pride among participating teams. The tournament stands as a testament to the continued growth of the sport at the grassroots level, laying the groundwork for the next generation of Philippine football stars.
Below are the match schedules:
U16 National Championships
U19 (Emerging) National Group Stage
