Football fans across Hong Kong are getting ready to catch a glimpse of the potential stars of the future when the 2026 HKFC Standard Chartered Priority Private Soccer Sevens kicks off this month.
Billed as the world’s best seven-a-side football competition, the tournament will see youth team and academy players from English Premier League, Scottish Premiership and European clubs battle it out with more seasoned footballers from across Asia.
Fans will get to watch some of the top young talent at these clubs bid to make a name for themselves. Previous iterations of the annual contest have featured the likes of Gary Cahill and Jack Grealish, so there’s a good chance a new prodigy is waiting on the bench. The action takes place at Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) between 22 and 24 May.
Credit: HKFC Soccer Sevens
Credit: HKFC Soccer Sevens
How the Soccer Sevens works
Over the weekend, the 14-minute matches come thick and fast. The main tournament involves 16 teams split into four groups playing in a round-robin format, before progressing to the knockout stages.
The top two teams from each group compete for the cup, while the bottom two go into play-offs for the plate. The losing quarter-finalists in the cup also get a chance to battle it out for the shield. Knockout matches are typically 20 minutes.
If one of the knockout games in the cup or shield ends in a draw, extra time is played, followed by a penalty shootout if needed. Drawn plate matches go straight to penalties.
Beyond this contest, the 2026 iteration of the Soccer Sevens also sees the return of the women’s competition along with the masters contest for players aged 35 and above, ensuring a thrilling weekend of live sporting action.
Credit: HKFC Soccer Sevens
Credit: HKFC Soccer Sevens
Know your football rivalries
With many Hong Kong-based fans of the English sides turning out to show their support, the atmosphere at the Soccer Sevens is sure to be lively and passionate. Several of the clubs have played at the tournament before, so honour is most certainly at stake.
Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, who won the trophy in their debut year, will be hoping to successfully defend their title. These reigning champions have been drawn against West Ham United in Group A. HKFC Captain’s Select and the Hong Kong, China Representative Team complete the first grouping.
Brighton & Hove Albion, winners in 2024 and beaten finalists last year, face debutants Leeds United in Group B. Both will also play Hong Kong Football Club and Singapore Football Club in the initial phase.
Seven-time winners Aston Villa will take on Northern Irish side Larne FC, Eastern District and Singapore Cricket Club in Group C.
Making up Group D, Yokohama F Marinos from Japan’s J1 League have been drawn against Rangers FC from the Scottish Premiership, BC Rangers and Yau Yee League Select.
Credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Credit: West Ham United FC/Getty Images
Credit: Jasper Wax/Getty Images
Players to look out for at the Soccer Sevens
Squad details are not released until closer to the tournament, but several young players have been showing potential for their Premier League clubs this season, and it’s worth getting to know them.
Bradley Burrowes (Aston Villa): The 18-year-old midfielder made his Premier League debut in August and has also been scoring regularly for the club’s Young Lions.
Joe Belmont (Brighton & Hove Albion): The striker has scored several goals for the Seagulls’ U21s this season and was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award in September.
Charlie Crew (Leeds United): The 19-year-old midfielder’s performances have led to two senior caps for Wales, as well as several appearances for Wales U21s.
Josh Ajala (West Ham United): The 19-year-old forward has been the top scorer for the club’s U21s over the past two seasons. He was named Premier League 2 Player of the Month for February.
AZ Alkmaar and both Rangers teams also have a history of producing youngsters who go on to play at the highest level in their respective countries and other European leagues.
Credit: Gillbert Flores/Getty Images
Credit: HKFC Soccer Sevens
An expanded women’s tournament
For the 2026 iteration of the Soccer Sevens the women’s tournament has been expanded to eight teams, with a first-time appearance from Japanese side Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies.
The twice-winners of Japan’s WE League will face TSL FC, Hong Kong Football Club and Singapore's Eastern Thunder in Group A.
Defending champions Kitchee and last year’s beaten finalists Wrexham AFC have been drawn in Group B, where they are joined by HKFA Select and HKFC Captain’s Select.
Owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham will arrive in Hong Kong as newly crowned champions of the Welsh Adran Premier.
Credit: ALTO
Credit: ALTO
Where to dine and unwind beyond the tournament
Located in Happy Valley, the Hong Kong Football Club is just a few minutes’ walk from Causeway Bay, one of the city’s most popular dining districts.
Here, options range from Michelin-starred restaurants to local food stalls. For great food combined with a stunning view of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, head to Alto Bar & Grill on the 31st floor of the V Point Tower, where guests can either dine inside or enjoy drinks and music on the rooftop terrace.
A little further afield is Kam's Roast Goose restaurant in Wan Chai, which offers one of the most affordable Michelin-star experiences in the city. Moreover, Soccer Sevens fans are also just a short ride away from Central, which boasts an even greater variety of restaurants, bars and late-night haunts.