Round 1 of the women's content of the 2026 National Club Volleyball Championship will take place from April 6 to April 19 in Dong Anh (Hanoi), marking the time when the teams officially enter the long-term race of the season.
No longer a heating stage, what is shown in this round will partly reflect the strength, depth of the squad as well as the ambition of each club.
Last year, the tournament closed with the championship belonging to VTV Binh Dien Long An after a 3-2 victory in the final against LPB Ninh Binh. Meanwhile, Binh Chung Thong Tin continued to be in the leading group, maintaining its position as one of the most traditional teams.
The "three-power" situation is therefore still maintained. However, what happened at the Hoa Lu Cup 2026 shows that this is showing signs of shifting.
Defending champion VTV Binh Dien Long An continues to maintain high form when winning the Hoa Lu Cup 2026. Despite facing many difficulties, especially in the final that lasted 5 sets, the Western team still showed bravery and stability. This is a positive sign for them to enter the world championship as the number 1 candidate, although the pressure to defend the throne is not small.
Conversely, LPB Ninh Binh has not reached the best condition. This team is only ranked 4th at the Hoa Lu Cup, revealing many problems in the organization of the playing style. Although they have significantly strengthened with Nguyen Thi Uyen, opposite hitter Hong Nhung or the middle blocker pair Nhu Quynh - Thanh Mai, the absence of key hitter Bich Tuyen and setter Hoai Mi, middle blocker Nguyen Thi Trinh makes the operation not smooth. Therefore, round 1 will be a test for Ninh Binh.
Meanwhile, Binh chủng Thông tin is still quite stable. Coach Pham Van Long's team won 3rd place at the Hoa Lu Cup, including a convincing victory against LPB Ninh Binh.
Disciplined, organized playing style and the addition of 2 Chinese foreign players are considered the foundation to help Binh Chung Thong Tin maintain its position in the top group, especially in the early stages of the season when many opponents are still completing the squad.
A noteworthy bright spot is Vietinbank. They unexpectedly won the runner-up title of Hoa Lu Cup 2026. Professional progress and confident fighting spirit help them become an interesting "unknown" at this year's tournament. If they can ensure their form, Vietinbank can completely create surprises right from the first round.
In the bottom group, Long Son Thanh Hoa Cement has not shown many positive signs after the Hoa Lu Cup.
Meanwhile, newcomer Hanoi Tasco Auto, although having many stars in the squad such as Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Khanh Dang or Le Thanh Thuy, has not yet made a clear mark.
With a playing time of nearly 2 weeks, round 1 is not only a starting point but also a real test for the ambitions of each team. In the context that the gap between teams is narrowing, form and stability will play a decisive role.
