National Second Division 2026: Promotion race set to begin
After nearly three months of exciting competition, the 2026 National Second Division Championship has identified its four strongest teams for the Finals: Tre Ha Noi, Hue, Lam Dong, and Truong Giang Gia Dinh. From June 13 to 16 at Quy Nhon Stadium in Gia Lai, the four sides will compete in decisive matches for three promotion spots to the 2026/27 National First Division. This year’s Finals promise intense competition, as all four teams are just one step away from achieving their promotion ambitions. With only one team set to miss out, every match will carry significant importance in determining the clubs that will earn the right to compete at a higher level next season.
Nguyen Minh Chau, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Deputy Head of the Competition Organizing Committee, delivered remarks at the technical meeting ahead of the 2026 National Second Division Finals, held on the afternoon of June 12 in Quy Nhon
Looking back at the qualifying stage, Tre Ha Noi emerged as the most impressive side, remaining unbeaten throughout 12 matches with six wins and six draws. Their tally of 24 points secured top spot in Group A. Hue also demonstrated the resilience and quality of a club with a rich footballing tradition, finishing second with 22 points and joining the capital-based side in advancing to the Finals.
In Group B, Lam Dong underlined their strength by finishing first with 25 points from 12 matches. They also boasted the league’s most solid defense, conceding just four goals throughout the qualifying campaign. Meanwhile, Truong Giang Gia Dinh claimed the final Finals berth after a fierce battle with Quang Ngai, ending the qualifying stage on 22 points to secure a place among the tournament’s top four teams.
According to the competition schedule, the first semi-final will take place at 16:00 on June 13 between Tre Ha Noi and Truong Giang Gia Dinh. The second semi-final will be played later the same day at 19:00, featuring Lam Dong and Hue.
The two winning teams will automatically secure promotion to the 2026/27 National First Division. The two losing sides will then face each other at 16:00 on June 16 in a decisive play-off match, with the final promotion spot at stake.
Dang Thanh Ha, Head of the VFF Refereeing Committee, briefed the participating teams at the 2026 National Second Division Finals on the operational principles of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The session aimed to help coaching staffs and players gain a better understanding of refereeing procedures on the field, thereby reducing potential infringements and avoiding unnecessary reactions to match officials’ decisions
One of the most notable features of this year’s Finals is the Vietnam Football Federation’s decision to implement VAR technology in all three matches. This marks the second time that VAR has been used at the National Second Division Finals, underlining the VFF’s commitment to enhancing the quality of organization and match officiating across Vietnam’s national football competitions.
