Dressed in skirts and traditional attire, ethnic minority women are lighting up the pitch with energetic, fearless football at the Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women’s Football Tournament – VTV Cup 2026.

The Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women’s Football Tournament – VTV Cup 2026 is unfolding in lively fashion at Nghia Lo Ward Stadium in Lao Cai Province. Held for the first time, the tournament brings together 12 teams from nine localities across Vietnam.

On the morning of August 27, the first quarterfinal saw Dak Doa of Gia Lai face Nghia Lo of Lao Cai.

The women took to the pitch in skirts and traditional ethnic attire, creating a striking spectacle rarely seen in competitive football.

The tournament has drawn large crowds of local residents and visitors, combining spirited matches with the distinctive cultural traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities in the northern highlands.

Each team brings its own playing kit and style of football, creating a colorful festival atmosphere while celebrating the strength, confidence and beauty of ethnic minority women.

Their surging runs and powerful finishes would not look out of place alongside Vietnam stars Dinh Bac and Xuan Son.

The players’ outfits have been carefully adapted for the game, preserving the traditional beauty and identity of each ethnic group while allowing them to move freely on the football pitch.

In the opening quarterfinal, Dak Doa completely dominated their opponents, cruising to a 9-0 victory and securing a place in the semifinals.

Dak Doa are considered one of the leading contenders for the championship.

The new tournament also gives amateur female footballers an opportunity to meet, compete and forge connections with ethnic minority communities from across the country.

Four quarterfinal matches were scheduled for August 27, with the four winners advancing to the semifinals.

The second quarterfinal featured Van Son of Phu Tho against Lam Thuong of Lao Cai, with Van Son claiming a 3-0 victory.

More than 300 supporters from Van Son Commune in Phu Tho, together with a local Muong community leader, traveled more than 200 kilometers to Nghia Lo to cheer on the Van Son women as they pursue a place in the final.

Dai Nam