PYFCT 2026 is back after a rough, 40-team championship run.

KUCHING, Sept. 27: PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament (PYFCT) 2026 resumes after being postponed due to increased reading of Air Pollution Index (IPU) due to dust.

According to PETRONAS today's statement, the tournament held in Kuching brought together 40 teams for the under-12 category (PSK 12), PSK 14 and PSK 16, with 16 teams of PSK 12 as well as 12 teams for PSK 14 and PSK 16.

Group stage action and knockout matches took place at the Football Grounds C and D as well as the Kuching Division Football Association (KDFA).

PSK 16 starts at 8am on Padang D, PSK 14 at 10am on Padang C and PSK 12 at 2pm on KDFA.

PYFCT 2026 remains a platform for young players to gain competitive experience in a safe and conducive environment, as well as hone skills, build confidence and cultivate teamwork values, discipline, resilience and spirit of sport.

The tournament was also part of the development of football by giving young talents an opportunity to gain competitive experience.

Previously, PSK 8 and PSK 10 categories were held in July last year with the participation of 27 teams.

Cascara Junior emerged as the champion of the PSK 8 category while Samarahan Academy won the PSK 10 category.

For the entire PYFCT series in Kuching, the tournament took place from 25 July to 24 October involving five categories, namely PSK 8, PSK 10, PSK 12, PSK 14 and PSK 16.

The PYFCT series also took place in Bintulu from 8 August to 8 November and Mukah from 27 September to 1 November.

The highlight of the tournament was PETRONAS Youth Football Champion League 2026 which is scheduled to take place from 6 to 13 December, with the top two teams for PSK 14 and PSK 16 categories qualifying for the competition. - TVS