Gyeongju to host 2026 Hwarang Cup national youth football tournament Aug. 28

Gyeongju is set to host a nationwide youth football showdown in late summer.

The city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province announced Tuesday that it will hold the 2026 Hwarang Cup National Youth Football Tournament over 16 days, from Aug. 28 to Sept. 12.

Organized by the Korea Football Association and co-hosted by Gyeongju City and the Gyeongju Football Association, the tournament is expected to draw more than 800 teams and some 15,000 players and officials from across the country.

Matches will be played at venues throughout Gyeongju, including the Civic Stadium, Smart Air Dome, Football Park and Alcheon Football Stadium.

Practice facilities at the Angang, Geoncheon, Oidong and Gampo football fields, as well as the Hwarang Village Football Field and Hyeongsan River Sports Park, will also be made available.

The tournament will be divided into two weeks: the first running from Aug. 28 through Sept. 3, and the second from Sept. 6 through Sept. 12.

An opening ceremony will be held the day before the tournament begins — Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Gyeongju HICO (Hwabek International Convention Center).

Gyeongju City said it will put traffic management measures in place around the stadiums and event venues, and will conduct inspections of restaurants and public hygiene establishments as well as environmental cleanup around the facilities.

The city also plans to inspect stadium and practice facility conditions and provide portable toilets and water supply installations so players can compete and train without disruption.

The momentum from the Hwarang Cup will carry into the international arena in October.

The Hwarang Cup International Youth Football Tournament, running five days from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18, will bring together about 750 participants across 30 teams — 12 domestic teams with 300 players and 18 teams from seven countries with 450 players.

International delegations will arrive from Portugal, Brazil, the United States, Japan, China, Thailand and Malaysia.

"We will do our utmost to ensure smooth tournament operations and safety management so that players coming to Gyeongju from across the country can showcase their skills to the fullest," Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-young said. "We will make sure the Hwarang Cup becomes a festival that leaves wonderful memories for both players and their families."