The 2026 Chiayi Cup Migrant Workers’ Football Tournament officially began its group-stage matches on April 12, with the championship finals held on April 19 at National Chung Cheng University. A total of six teams from the Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan region participated in the event, including Team Taiwan–Vietnam, Yuanlin Team, Yi’an Team, Li Jia Team, Guangping Team, and Qile Team. Players gathered in Chiayi to connect through football, demonstrating teamwork, vitality, and camaraderie.

The tournament was intentionally scheduled ahead of Vietnam Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers’ Day (May 1), adding special cultural significance to the event. Football is a major national sport in Vietnam—much like baseball in Taiwan—serving as an important symbol of cultural identity and collective solidarity. Through participation in the tournament, migrant workers were able to strengthen social connections and experience a sense of belonging through a familiar and meaningful activity.

The event was supported by the University Social Responsibility (USR) Program of National Chung Cheng University, which provided venue space and institutional resources. It was organized by the Yi’an Team, a local migrant workers’ football club based in Minxiong. Special thanks were extended to the New Southbound Cultural Hub in Chiayi (Vietnamese Cultural Station) for coordinating resources and serving as a bridge between migrant worker communities and the university, fostering cross-cultural engagement and collaboration. During the opening ceremony, Chiayi County Councilor Huang Chi-hao delivered remarks recognizing the vital contributions migrant workers made to industrial development in central and southern Taiwan. In addition, emergency medical personnel Liu Hsun-ching and Chang Wen-jung provided on-site safety support throughout the tournament, ensuring the event proceeded smoothly.

More than a sporting competition, the tournament highlighted the important role of athletics in migrant workers’ daily lives. Through teamwork and interaction on the field, participants were able to relieve work-related stress, strengthen peer support networks, and enhance both group pride and personal identity. National Chung Cheng University’s USR Program and the Vietnamese Cultural Station in Chiayi pledged to continue their collaboration to support migrant workers’ physical and mental well-being and promote social equity. Through sustained engagement and resource integration, the initiative aimed to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for migrant communities in Taiwan.