Changes
V.League 2026-2027 has closed the first round. Previously, many opinions were concerned about the preparation process for the tournament in the context that all focus is on the journey of the Vietnamese team at ASEAN Cup 2026. However, the warm-up for V.League was more than expected. For the first time since 2018, a new season introduction video (trailer) was released before the opening ceremony.
The new identity kit including colors, fonts, and images was also designed specifically by the tournament organizers, introduced and applied synchronously right from round 1. Graphics with statistics, movements or player introductions were also professionally implemented, bringing goodwill and attention from fans. A plus point is that before the comments on the size and display of the scoreboard in the match Dong Nai City - The Cong Viettel, the station and the organizers were receptive and updated a new version that is easier to watch for the next 6 matches.
In addition to the imprint on the overall appearance of the whole tournament, clubs are also actively renewing themselves from the stadium as well as other functional areas. Thien Truong Stadium of Nam Dinh has been strongly upgraded from the entrance gate, tunnel area to the stands. Stadiums that were once underestimated in terms of grass quality such as Vinh stadium, Thanh Hoa stadium... have focused on taking care of and ensuring professionalism when the season started.
However, there is still a minus point that Hang Day Stadium does not have a sufficiently good pitch. This needs to be emphasized by Hanoi Police, Hanoi FC and The Cong Viettel clubs, as this place will host many tournaments in the 2026-2027 season such as V.League, National Cup, C1 Southeast Asian Cup...
New recruits make their mark
The new season also witnessed new players creating efficiency for their managing club. Lucas Ribamar "opened an account" for the new team The Cong Viettel when defeating host Dong Nai with a score of 2-0. Jason Cummings and Andrew Jung also contributed to Ho Chi Minh City Police and Hanoi FC. Meanwhile, Lucao proved that Ninh Binh FC was right to recruit him this season. The Brazilian player scored a hat-trick against his old team Hai Phong.
Also a new contract, foreign player Saliou Guindo brought in 2 goals, helping Thanh Hoa keep 3 points against SHB Da Nang. The 3-2 victory that the Thanh Hoa representative achieved was also a surprise mark in round 1. Remember, it was not until 1 week before the V.League 2026-2027 started that Thanh Hoa temporarily stabilized the upper level and supplemented forces to participate in the tournament.
Foreign player Ezequiel Santos of Nam Dinh also made coach Le Quang Trai of Hoang Anh Gia Lai praise him. A double from this striker created a highlight in the 4-0 victory of the Nam Dinh team on the opening day.
Round 1 of V.League 2026-2027 cannot witness overseas Vietnamese and young players shine. Perhaps, the highlight in the past 7 matches is the goal from Kyle Colonna (The Cong Viettel) or Nguyen Le Phat (Ninh Binh). Perhaps, in the near future, with the large number of overseas Vietnamese and players under 23 years old registered by clubs, Vietnamese football will have more new stories.
The opening round is also the time when the media honors a symbol. Nguyen Trong Hoang - a player over 37 years old enters his 21st professional season in his career.
I have known him since he coached the Thai national team a few years ago. It is truly amazing to know the age and number of seasons that Hoang has participated in. It is worth mentioning that he has maintained his form until now. This shows that Trong Hoang himself has worked hard, has the ability to command and lead players on the field," coach Mano Polking of Hanoi Police shared.
