By: Julius Konton
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has officially unveiled the draw for the 2026 National County Sports Meet, setting the stage for the country’s premier grassroots sporting competition that annually unites thousands of athletes and spectators from across the nation.
The month-long tournament, expected to kick off in November 2026, will be hosted in four strategic regional centers: Voinjama, Lofa County (Northern Region), Gbarnga, Bong County (Central Region), Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County (Southeastern Region), and Barclayville, Grand Kru County (Southeast Region).
Widely regarded as Liberia’s largest domestic sporting festival, the National County Sports Meet brings together football , kickball and Basketball teams representing all 15 political subdivisions of the country.
Since its establishment decades ago, the tournament has served as a breeding ground for emerging talent, promoted national unity after years of civil conflict, and provided a platform for identifying athletes for national teams.
Ahead of preparations for the 2026 edition, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., Chief Patron of Sports, has approved a US$30,000 financial package to support participating counties.
According to Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah, each of Liberia’s 15 counties will receive US$2,000 to assist with early preparations, including player recruitment, training camps, logistics, equipment, transportation and other operational expenses.
The announcement underscores the Boakai administration’s commitment to strengthening youth development and grassroots sports as part of broader efforts to empower young Liberians and promote social cohesion through athletics.
The official draw has produced several exciting matchups expected to attract thousands of supporters.
Group A
Host: Grand Gedeh County
Defending Champions Nimba County
River Gee County
Gbarpolu County
Defending champions Nimba begin their title defense in what many observers consider one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
Group B
Host: Bong County
Maryland County
River Cess County
Grand Cape Mount County
The Central Region promises another highly competitive contest, with Bong hoping home advantage will propel them into the knockout rounds.
Group C
Host: Lofa County
Grand Bassa County
Sinoe County
Montserrado County
Montserrado, Liberia’s most populous county, headlines a balanced group alongside traditional competitors Grand Bassa and Sinoe.
Group D
Host: Grand Kru County
Bomi County
Margibi County
Grand Kru will rely on home support as it battles Bomi and Margibi for qualification to the next stage.
For generations, the National County Sports Meet has remained one of Liberia’s most anticipated annual sporting events, attracting thousands of fans to stadiums while millions more follow the competition through radio, television and digital media.
Beyond the pursuit of championship glory, the tournament strengthens inter-county relationships, stimulates local economies through hospitality and commerce, and provides invaluable exposure for talented young footballers and kickball players seeking professional opportunities.
With government support now confirmed, host counties preparing their facilities, and the official draw completed, anticipation is building for another memorable edition of Liberia’s flagship sporting spectacle as counties prepare to compete for national pride and the coveted championship trophy.
