A breakthrough for Vietnamese women's football

The 2026 Thai Son Bac Cup National Women's Football Championship represents a fresh chapter for Vietnamese women's football, being the inaugural edition to adopt a home-and-away league system.

This decision was made after the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) received support from the FIFA League Development Programme. The new model is expected to enhance professional quality, increase competitiveness, and create conditions for clubs to develop in a more professional direction.

According to the plan, the 2026 season will feature seven teams: Hanoi I, Hanoi II, Thai Nguyen T&T, Vietnam Coal and Minerals, Phong Phu Ha Nam, Ho Chi Minh City I, and Ho Chi Minh City II. They will compete in a double round-robin format on a home-and-away basis to determine the final standings.

The home venues for the teams have also been confirmed. Specifically, Ho Chi Minh City I will play at Ngai Giao Stadium (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City II at Thanh Long Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City), Hanoi I & Hanoi II at Ha Dong Stadium (Hanoi), Thai Nguyen T&T at Thai Nguyen Stadium (Thai Nguyen), Vietnam Coal and Minerals at Cua Ong Stadium (Quang Ninh), and Phong Phu Ha Nam at Ha Nam Stadium (Ha Nam).

The shift from a centralized tournament format to a home-and-away league system not only gives players more opportunities to compete and gain experience but also brings women's football closer to local fans. This is seen as a crucial step in the professionalization of Vietnamese women's football, while also laying the foundation for clubs to aim for continental competitions in the future.

The 2026 National Women's Football Championship season will run from June 20 to August 21, 2026. The champion will earn the right to represent Vietnamese women's football at the 2027/28 AFC Women's Club Championship.

The VFF is working closely and urgently with local authorities and clubs to finalize the last preparations regarding facilities, organization, security, medical services, and media, ensuring the best conditions for the opening day and the entire season.

Having clubs directly host matches at their home grounds not only brings women's football closer to local fans but also enhances the role and responsibility of host units in event organization.

In this regard, local coordinators are considered a key link, connecting the tournament organizing committee, clubs, and functional forces to ensure that matches are run smoothly, professionally, and safely.