National Second Division Finals 2026: VAR to be used in all matches
The final stage of the 2026 National Second Division Football Championship will take place from June 13 to June 16 at Quy Nhon Stadium in Gia Lai, featuring the four best teams that advanced through the qualifying phase: Tre Ha Noi, Hue, Lam Dong and Truong Giang Gia Dinh. The tournament will serve as a highly competitive battle to determine the three teams that will earn promotion to the National First Division for the 2026/27 season.
10/06/2026 10:38:17
In order to enhance the quality of match officiating and ensure greater accuracy and fairness during the decisive stage of the season, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has decided to implement the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in all three matches of the Final Stage. This marks the second time VAR has been used in the National Second Division Championship, following its first deployment during the 2024 Finals.
The decision further demonstrates the VFF’s commitment to improving the organization and management of national football competitions, not only within the professional football system but also across semi-professional and youth tournaments.
To facilitate the implementation of VAR at the 2026 National Second Division Finals, the VFF has received support and cooperation from the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) and FPT Television Company Limited (FPT Play). Drawing on extensive experience gained from operating VAR in Vietnam’s professional football competitions over recent years, the relevant stakeholders have developed a deployment plan tailored to the tournament’s requirements.
Accordingly, the VAR system will be operated according to technical standards equivalent to those used in V.League 1 matches. A minimum of eight cameras will be utilized, including wide-angle and close-up cameras, two offside cameras, two goal-line cameras positioned behind the goals, and additional supporting camera angles to assist the VAR team in reviewing and assessing match incidents.
To ensure all participating teams fully understand the operational procedures and protocols associated with VAR, the Organizing Committee will hold a technical briefing on the afternoon of June 12 in Quy Nhon. The session will be attended by coaching staff, team captains and player representatives from all four finalist teams.
According to the match schedule, the first semi-final between Tre Ha Noi and Truong Giang Gia Dinh will kick off at 16:00 on June 13, while the second semi-final between Lam Dong and Hue will be played at 19:00 on the same day. The two winning teams will be jointly recognized as champions and will secure automatic promotion to the 2026/27 National First Division. The two losing teams will then meet on June 16 to compete for the final promotion berth.
All three matches of the 2026 National Second Division Finals will be broadcast live on the official media platforms of the VFF and FPT Play, allowing football fans across the country to follow the competition.
