Melbourne: Football Australia has officially confirmed that the Vietnam U15 Women’s National Team and the Japan Football Association (JFA) Academy U15 Men’s Team will participate in the 2026 CommBank Emerging Championships, marking another significant step in the international expansion of Australia’s youth football competitions.
Following the successful inclusion of Malaysia in the 2025 edition, the 2026 tournament continues to grow as a global platform for emerging talent, with Vietnam and Japan set to bring added quality and competitiveness.
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Vietnam to Strengthen Emerging Matildas Competition
Vietnam’s U15 women’s team will compete in the CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships, hosted at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora, joining the U15 Girls competition.
Their inclusion provides Australia’s top young female players with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of Asia’s strongest football nations. Vietnam has established itself as a regional powerhouse in women’s football, highlighted by its historic qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a quarter-final finish in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and multiple podium finishes at the ASEAN Women’s Championships and Southeast Asian Games.
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Japan Academy to Feature in Emerging Socceroos Championships
Japan’s JFA Academy U15 men’s team will travel from Kumamoto to compete in the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships, set to be held at Valentine Sports Park in Glenwood, participating in the U15 Boys competition.
Renowned for its excellence in youth development, the JFA Academy is widely regarded as one of Asia’s leading football institutions. Their participation will provide Australia’s young male players with a high-level benchmark against some of the continent’s best emerging talent.
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Football Australia Welcomes International Expansion
Football Australia’s Executive Director of Football, Heather Garriock, welcomed the participation of both teams, emphasizing the broader benefits of international involvement:
“We are delighted to welcome teams from Vietnam and JFA Academy to Australia. Their presence will not only raise the standard of competition but also strengthen our relationships with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Japan Football Association (JFA).”
She added:
“Competing against international opposition gives our elite youth players crucial exposure to different playing styles, preparing them for future national team duties. It also allows our coaches to assess talent in more challenging environments, supporting long-term selection and development strategies.”
Boost for Sydney’s Sporting and Economic Landscape
NSW Minister for Sport and Tourism, Steve Kamper, highlighted the significance of hosting international teams in Sydney:
“We’re thrilled to welcome young international footballers to Sydney for the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships. As the home of football in Australia, Sydney provides the perfect stage for future stars to shine.”
“This tournament not only supports the development of young Australian players but also brings significant economic benefits by attracting players, officials, and supporters, boosting local businesses and jobs.”
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A Growing Global Platform for Youth Talent
The inclusion of Japan and Vietnam further cements the CommBank Emerging Championships as a key international pathway for youth development. With rising competition levels and global participation, the tournament continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Australian football.
