The opening ceremony of the 2026 Guiyang Soccer Selection Tournament was held on March 14 at Xiuwen County Sports Center in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province.

The 2026 Guiyang Soccer Selection Tournament kicks off on March 14. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

A total of 43 teams have registered for the tournament, which will feature more than 200 matches over the next three months before the champions are decided.

The competition boasts broad participation, with players ranging from 18 to over 50 years old. Participants include high school, college, and university students; employees from government agencies, public institutions, and enterprises; and soccer enthusiasts from all walks of life – fully reflecting the tournament's goal of promoting mass participation and nationwide fitness.

Kids perform Chinese marital art at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Guiyang Soccer Selection Tournament. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

The selection tournament aims to identify outstanding players to form a team representing Guiyang at the National City Soccer Invitational Tournament, which will be held in Guiyang from July to September.

The upcoming invitational is expected to bring together 16 teams from across the country, gathering in Guiyang for what promises to be a grand sporting event.

Two teams compete at the 2026 Guiyang Soccer Selection Tournament. [Photo/Guiyang news network]