2026 National Third Division kicks off with 4 promotion spots at stake
The opening ceremony of the 2026 National Third Division Football League took place on the afternoon of 12 October at Dan Phuong Stadium in Hanoi, officially launching the race for four promotion spots with the opening-round fixtures in Groups A and B.
Attending the ceremony on behalf of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) were Do Van Nhat, VFF Executive Committee member; Nguyen Minh Chau, VFF Deputy General Secretary and Head of the Organising Committee; and Hoang Anh Tuan, VFF Refereeing Committee member.
Representing the local authorities were Nguyen Thi Quynh Lam, Vice Chairwoman of Dan Phuong Commune People’s Committee, and Nguyen Manh Ha, Director of the Dan Phuong Commune General Services Centre. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the participating teams’ management, coaching staff and players, as well as a large number of football fans.
In her welcome address, Nguyen Thi Quynh Lam, Vice Chairwoman of Dan Phuong Commune People’s Committee, expressed her pleasure that the locality had the opportunity to co-host the Group A matches. She also wished the tournament every success and the participating teams positive results.
Delivering the opening address, Nguyen Minh Chau, VFF Deputy General Secretary and Head of the Organising Committee, highlighted the role of the National Third Division Football League within Vietnam’s semi-professional football system. The tournament provides clubs with opportunities to develop their squads and improve their technical standards, while enabling players to gain valuable experience and progress to higher levels of competition.
Deputy General Secretary Nguyen Minh Chau also affirmed that the VFF would work closely with relevant organisations to ensure the tournament is conducted in accordance with the regulations, with particular attention to technical standards, refereeing, security and safety. These efforts aim to create favourable conditions for all participating teams to demonstrate their abilities and achieve their objectives.
On this occasion, the VFF and the Organising Committee expressed their sincere gratitude to Van Xuan Sports Company Limited, the host of Group A matches at Dan Phuong Stadium in Hanoi; and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dong Thap Province, the host of Group B matches at Tien Giang Stadium and Son Qui Stadium in Dong Thap Province. They also extended their appreciation to the agencies and organisations that had coordinated with and supported the tournament.
The 2026 National Third Division Football League features 12 teams divided into two groups based on geographical regions. The teams compete in a double round-robin format, with standings determined by points earned. The tournament runs from 12 October to 9 November 2026.
The four teams promoted to the 2027 National Second Division Football League will be the two group winners and the two runners-up.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, the first matches of the tournament delivered several notable results. In Group A, Ninh Binh Province Sports Centre II drew 0-0 with Hanoi Bulls, while hosts Van Xuan Dan Phuong suffered a 1-2 defeat to Binh Dinh FC.
In Group B, An Giang secured a 2-0 victory over Ho Chi Minh United; Dong Nai defeated Khanh Hoa Sports Training and Coaching Centre 3-0; and Dong Thap beat STP Food Ho Chi Minh City 2-0.
The first-leg fixtures will conclude on 25 October, with the return-leg matches scheduled from 27 October to 9 November.
