LIGA.i Blind Football Top League 2026 to Kick Off on July 26th ~Record 5 Teams Participating, First Round Matchups Decided~

The NPO Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA) is pleased to announce the decision to hold the "LIGA.i Blind Football Top League 2026" (hereinafter referred to as the Top League). This league will kick off on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Shinagawa City General Gymnasium (Shinagawa City, Tokyo). The participating clubs are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their competitive strength, organizational management capabilities, and efforts in promoting the sport. The five participating teams are Free Bird Mejirodai, Buen Cambio Yokohama, Shinagawa CC Pearcial, Saitama T.Wings, and A-pfeile Hiroshima BFC. This season marks the first participation of A-pfeile Hiroshima BFC, bringing the total number of teams in the Top League to a record five.

Prior to 2021, the domestic league system consisted of regional leagues divided into four areas, with the top teams from each area advancing to the Club Team Championship to determine the national champion. However, starting in 2022, the system was changed to a two-league structure: the Regional League and the Top League. JBFA's objectives for hosting LIGA.i are to foster growth in three aspects: ① Competitiveness, ② Commercial Appeal, and ③ Organizational Strength. For more details, please visit the dedicated tournament website (https://liga-i.b-soccer.jp). JBFA and the club teams will work more closely together to enhance the momentum of their activities, aiming to realize JBFA's vision of "creating a society where visually impaired individuals and non-disabled individuals mix naturally." Shinagawa City has been a special co-host for the "Shinagawa Festival" for five consecutive years since the inaugural LIGA.i event in 2022, contributing to the league's excitement.

Furthermore, continuing from last season, this season's matches will award 3 points for a win, 0 points for a loss at the end of the second period. In case of a draw at the end of the second period, a penalty shootout will be held, awarding 2 points for a win and 1 point for a loss in the shootout. By implementing these point allocations, we aim to ensure that the race for rankings remains competitive until the final matchday.

The first round will feature four teams: Free Bird Mejirodai, Buen Cambio Yokohama, Shinagawa CC Pearcial, and Saitama T.Wings. The first match, kicking off at 13:00, will be "Shinagawa CC Pearcial vs. Buen Cambio Yokohama," followed by the second match at 16:10, "Free Bird Mejirodai vs. Saitama T.Wings."

● Tournament Overview

- League Title: LIGA.i Blind Football Top League 2026

- Organizer: NPO Japan Blind Football Association

- Special Co-host: Shinagawa City (First Round)

- Schedule and Venue:

Shinagawa LIGA.i Blind Football Top League 2026 Round 1: Sunday, July 26, 2026, Shinagawa City General Gymnasium (Shinagawa City, Tokyo) *Information regarding Round 2 and subsequent rounds will be announced as it becomes available.

- Participating Teams: Free Bird Mejirodai / Buen Cambio Yokohama / Shinagawa CC Pearcial / Saitama T.Wings / A-pfeile Hiroshima BFC

- Tournament Official Website: https://liga-i.b-soccer.jp

● Shinagawa LIGA.i Blind Football Top League 2026 Round 1 Overview

- Organizer: NPO Japan Blind Football Association

- Special Co-host: Shinagawa City (First Round)

- Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026

- Venue: Shinagawa City General Gymnasium (Shinagawa City, Tokyo)

- Match Schedule:

Match 1 Kick-off 13:00 Shinagawa CC Pearcial vs. Buen Cambio Yokohama Match 2 Kick-off 16:10 Free Bird Mejirodai vs. Saitama T.Wings

- Ticket Sales Start: Scheduled for late June