The Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 tournament draw has been announced, setting up a headline matchup between defending champion AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United in Group A. The annual international seven-a-side competition runs May 22 to May 24 at Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley, Hong Kong.
The three day tournament, officially titled the Hong Kong Football Club Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens, will feature more than 30 teams across the men’s competition, women’s tournament, and a veterans legends event.
The men’s division of the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 includes 16 teams split into four groups. Defending champion AZ Alkmaar leads Group A alongside Premier League side West Ham United, HKFC Captain’s Select, and the Hong Kong, China Representative Team.
AZ Alkmaar impressed in its debut appearance last year, winning the title with a 1 to 0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the final. The Dutch club returns as one of the favorites in this year’s tournament.
Group B features Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United, joined by host club Hong Kong Football Club and Singapore Football Club. The mix of English professional sides and regional teams is expected to create an unpredictable group stage.
Group C is led by Aston Villa, the most successful club in tournament history with seven titles. The English side will face Larne F.C. from Northern Ireland, Eastern District from Hong Kong, and Singapore Cricket Club. Aston Villa’s youth and development squads are well known for their fast attacking style in the competition.
Group D also features an international lineup. Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos will compete against Scottish giants Rangers, along with Hong Kong sides BC Rangers and Yau Yee League Select. The combination of different playing styles is expected to produce high tempo matches.
The women’s tournament at Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 enters its third year and expands to eight teams. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies make their tournament debut in Group A alongside TSL FC, Hong Kong Football Club, and Eastern Thunder.
Group B includes Wrexham AFC Women, Hong Kong Premier League club Kitchee, HKFC Captain’s Select, and an HKFA Select squad. The expanded lineup adds greater international representation to the women’s competition.
The legends competition will feature 10 veteran and alumni teams. Defending champion Ampcontrol Discovery Bay headlines Group A alongside PFA All Stars, Singapore Cricket Club Masters, HKFC Chairman’s Select, and KCC Masters.
Group B includes Yau Yee League Select All Star, Wallsend Boys Club HK, Singapore Cricket Club Masters, HKFC Masters, and Yokohama Country & Athletic Club. Several former professional players and well known football veterans are expected to appear.
Scott Semple, chairman of the tournament organizing committee, said the lineup for Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 is more diverse than previous editions.
“We have a mix of returning traditional clubs and new teams joining the competition this year,” Semple said. “That variety should make the tournament even more competitive.”
Hong Kong Football Club chairman Neil Jensen added that the event has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated international sporting fixtures, attracting overseas clubs while also creating opportunities for local football development.
According to the schedule, the women’s tournament and legends matches will kick off May 22. The men’s competition begins May 23, with champions in all divisions crowned May 24. All matches will take place at the Hong Kong Football Club Stadium on Sports Road in Happy Valley.
