Live schedule Round 1 First Division: Cong An Nhan Dan, Becamex TP.HCM take the field
Core answer: The 2026-2027 Vietnamese First Division starts Sept 11-13 with 14 teams; CAND aims for immediate promotion after V.League relegation. Key facts: - 14 teams, 2 promotion spots, 2 relegation spots. - CAND vs Dai hoc Van Hien on Sept 12. - Becamex TP.HCM plays in HCMC derby. - Thep Can Tho is relocated from Quang Ninh. - Broadcast on FPT Play, HTV, TV360, MyTV. Source: VFF schedule announcement, Sept 2026 | Cross-checked: VuaBong.vn Related Q&A: Q: How many teams are in the First Division? A: 14 teams. Q: When does CAND play? A: Sept 12. Q: Where can I watch? A: FPT Play, HTV, TV360, MyTV.
The 2026-2027 Vietnamese First Division officially kicks off this weekend (September 11-13) with 7 exciting matches. This season sees the determined return of Cong An Nhan Dan (CAND) – the team recently relegated from the V.League, along with the appearance of Thep Can Tho (relocated from Quang Ninh).
Season Context The First Division 2026-2027 features 14 teams playing a double round-robin. The top two earn promotion to the V.League, while the bottom two are relegated. Last season, CAND (then named PVF-CAND) endured a forgettable V.League campaign and were relegated. However, from Round 1, the police-backed club shows a strong desire to return immediately.
Focus of Round 1: CAND vs Dai hoc Van Hien The most notable match takes place on September 12 afternoon at CAND's home ground. Their opponent is Dai hoc Van Hien – a young team from Ho Chi Minh City. Although not highly regarded traditionally, Van Hien always plays disciplined and tough. CAND is expected to win for a good start to their promotion goals. However, the pressure from fan expectations could be a double-edged sword.
HCMC Derby: Becamex TP.HCM vs Dai hoc Van Hien? Another highlight is the derby between Becamex TP.HCM and Dai hoc Van Hien (both based in HCMC). Becamex TP.HCM enjoys financial backing from Becamex Binh Duong conglomerate, giving them a stronger squad than the typical First Division side. This derby promises a lively atmosphere, though the actual competitiveness is unclear.
Thep Can Tho: Journey of rebirth The team formerly known as Quang Ninh has officially relocated to Can Tho and renamed to Thep Can Tho. This is a strategic move to reduce operating costs and find a new market. They will debut on September 11 against an opponent to be confirmed. The team's stability after the transition is a big question.
Remaining matches and broadcast channels A total of 7 matches take place from September 11-13. Broadcast channels include FPT Play, HTV, TV360 and MyTV. Specifically: - Sept 11: Opening match – FPT Play. - Sept 12: CAND vs Van Hien – HTV1 & FPT Play. - Sept 13: Remaining matches, including Becamex TP.HCM – TV360.
Landscape Analysis With 2 promotion spots, the race is expected to be fierce. CAND is the strongest candidate thanks to V.League experience. Becamex TP.HCM is also a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, teams like Thep Can Tho, Pho Hien, Ba Ria Vung Tau will compete in the middle. The bottom two could be newly promoted or weaker sides.
Media Signals The First Division being broadcast on multiple digital platforms (FPT Play, TV360) shows increasing interest from media outlets. This could attract more sponsors and enhance the league's commercial value.
Round 1 Prediction CAND will likely win comfortably against Van Hien. Becamex TP.HCM should also take 3 points easily. Other matches are harder to predict due to limited squad information.
The First Division is not just a talent incubator but also a stage for emotional stories – from CAND's desire to return to Thep Can Tho's rebirth. All will be revealed from this weekend.
