{"id":941195,"date":"2026-03-14T00:24:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T16:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/?p=941195"},"modified":"2026-03-14T00:35:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T16:35:46","slug":"hkfc-soccer-sevens-2026-group-draw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/lifestyle-en-2\/sports-en-2\/hkfc-soccer-sevens-2026-group-draw\/","title":{"rendered":"Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 Draw Sets AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The <strong>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-1.jpg\" alt=\"AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United players ahead of Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw\" class=\"wp-image-941187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-1.jpg 850w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-1-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/>\n<!-- Alt text: AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United players ahead of Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw -->\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The three day tournament, officially titled the Hong Kong Football Club Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens, will feature more than 30 teams across the men\u2019s competition, women\u2019s tournament, and a veterans legends event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The men\u2019s division of the <strong>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026<\/strong> includes 16 teams split into four groups. Defending champion AZ Alkmaar leads Group A alongside Premier League side West Ham United, HKFC Captain\u2019s Select, and the Hong Kong, China Representative Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AZ Alkmaar impressed in its debut appearance last year, winning the title with a 1 to 0 victory over Brighton &amp; Hove Albion in the final. The Dutch club returns as one of the favorites in this year\u2019s tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Group B features Brighton &amp; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-2.jpg\" alt=\"Brighton and Leeds United teams featured in Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw\" class=\"wp-image-941188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-2.jpg 850w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-2-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/>\n<!-- Alt text: Brighton and Leeds United teams featured in Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw -->\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s youth and development squads are well known for their fast attacking style in the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Group D also features an international lineup. Japan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The women\u2019s tournament at <strong>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Group B includes Wrexham AFC Women, Hong Kong Premier League club Kitchee, HKFC Captain\u2019s Select, and an HKFA Select squad. The expanded lineup adds greater international representation to the women\u2019s competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-4.jpg\" alt=\"Teams competing in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament at Hong Kong Football Club\" class=\"wp-image-941190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-4.jpg 850w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-4-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-4-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/>\n<!-- Alt text: Teams competing in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament at Hong Kong Football Club -->\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s Select, and KCC Masters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Group B includes Yau Yee League Select All Star, Wallsend Boys Club HK, Singapore Cricket Club Masters, HKFC Masters, and Yokohama Country &amp; Athletic Club. Several former professional players and well known football veterans are expected to appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scott Semple, chairman of the tournament organizing committee, said the lineup for <strong>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026<\/strong> is more diverse than previous editions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We have a mix of returning traditional clubs and new teams joining the competition this year,&#8221; Semple said. &#8220;That variety should make the tournament even more competitive.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hong Kong Football Club chairman Neil Jensen added that the event has grown into one of the city\u2019s most anticipated international sporting fixtures, attracting overseas clubs while also creating opportunities for local football development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the schedule, the women\u2019s tournament and legends matches will kick off May 22. The men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw pairs AZ Alkmaar with West Ham. See full groups, women\u2019s teams, and legends squads for the May tournament.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":941186,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5066],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-941195","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports-en-2"},"raw_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The <strong>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":941187,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n<img src=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-1.jpg\" alt=\"AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United players ahead of Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw\" class=\"wp-image-941187\"\/>\n<!-- Alt text: AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United players ahead of Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw -->\n<\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The three day tournament, officially titled the Hong Kong Football Club Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens, will feature more than 30 teams across the men\u2019s competition, women\u2019s tournament, and a veterans legends event.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The men\u2019s division of the <strong>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026<\/strong> includes 16 teams split into four groups. Defending champion AZ Alkmaar leads Group A alongside Premier League side West Ham United, HKFC Captain\u2019s Select, and the Hong Kong, China Representative Team.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>AZ Alkmaar impressed in its debut appearance last year, winning the title with a 1 to 0 victory over Brighton &amp; Hove Albion in the final. The Dutch club returns as one of the favorites in this year\u2019s tournament.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Group B features Brighton &amp; 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.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":941188,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n<img src=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-2.jpg\" alt=\"Brighton and Leeds United teams featured in Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw\" class=\"wp-image-941188\"\/>\n<!-- Alt text: Brighton and Leeds United teams featured in Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026 draw -->\n<\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>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\u2019s youth and development squads are well known for their fast attacking style in the competition.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Group D also features an international lineup. Japan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The women\u2019s tournament at <strong>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Group B includes Wrexham AFC Women, Hong Kong Premier League club Kitchee, HKFC Captain\u2019s Select, and an HKFA Select squad. The expanded lineup adds greater international representation to the women\u2019s competition.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":941190,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n<img src=\"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ztylezman.com_2026az-alkmaarwest-ham-united-4.jpg\" alt=\"Teams competing in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament at Hong Kong Football Club\" class=\"wp-image-941190\"\/>\n<!-- Alt text: Teams competing in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament at Hong Kong Football Club -->\n<\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>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\u2019s Select, and KCC Masters.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Group B includes Yau Yee League Select All Star, Wallsend Boys Club HK, Singapore Cricket Club Masters, HKFC Masters, and Yokohama Country &amp; Athletic Club. Several former professional players and well known football veterans are expected to appear.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Scott Semple, chairman of the tournament organizing committee, said the lineup for <strong>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2026<\/strong> is more diverse than previous editions.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"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.\"<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hong Kong Football Club chairman Neil Jensen added that the event has grown into one of the city\u2019s most anticipated international sporting fixtures, attracting overseas clubs while also creating opportunities for local football development.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to the schedule, the women\u2019s tournament and legends matches will kick off May 22. The men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/941195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=941195"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/941195\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/941186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=941195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=941195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ztylezman.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=941195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}