2026-2027 First Division kicks off: CAND and the unknowns of the new season

On September 11, 2026, the Vietnamese First Division 2026-2027 season officially kicks off with Round 1. While there are no blockbuster matches or transfer surprises, the opening round’s fixture list reveals several notable signals about the overall landscape of the second-tier league. From Công An Nhân Dân (CAND)’s determination to return to the V-League to the relocation of Thép Cần Thơ, each team carries its own story, blending expectations with risks. First, let’s consider the league structure. This season features 14 teams competing for two promotion spots and two relegation spots. It is the first season after CAND (formerly PVF-CAND) was relegated from the V-League. Among the teams, CAND is considered the strongest candidate due to its immediate ambition to bounce back. However, can they withstand the 26-match season? Experience from other relegated sides suggests that the pressure to promote in the first season is immense, especially when internal squad stability has not yet been achieved after summer changes. Regarding tactics, the original article provides no analysis, but based on history and the nature of a relegated team, CAND is likely to adopt a defensive, counter-attacking style, leveraging the experience of players who have played in the V-League. In contrast, newly promoted or less ambitious teams often play safe, waiting for opponents' mistakes. The lack of big stars and squad depth is a chronic weakness of the First Division, but this also creates unpredictable balance. Another notable point is the relocation of the former Quảng Ninh club to become Thép Cần Thơ. This is not just a geographical change but also a signal of financial restructuring and ownership model shifts. Relocated teams often face difficulties in building loyal fan bases and logistics in new local areas. Thép Cần Thơ may face instability in the first half of the season unless they receive strong investment from local government or enterprises. In terms of media, the list of broadcast partners such as FPT Play, TV360, HTV, and MyTV shows that the First Division is receiving more commercial attention. The fact that a Ho Chi Minh City derby between Đại học Văn Hiến and Becamex TP.HCM is broadcast independently on HTV1 is evidence of efforts to attract local audiences. However, coverage remains limited compared to the V-League. OTT platforms play a key role in reaching younger fans, but production quality and commentary remain unknowns. Regarding risks, the First Division lacks comprehensive data for full assessment. However, several bottlenecks can be identified: first, budget disparities among clubs could make the promotion race one-sided; second, the lack of blockbuster transfers makes it hard to improve professional quality; third, fan pressure on older clubs like CAND could cause instability if results do not match expectations. On the flip side, opportunities are also clear. The team that quickly finds its tactical rhythm and stabilizes its dressing room will have a major advantage. If CAND survives the first five rounds with good results, they will become the narrative anchor for the promotion story throughout the season. Meanwhile, Thép Cần Thơ could surprise if they quickly adapt to the new environment and harness the spirit of a team with nothing to lose. Round 1 may not say everything, but it opens a promising picture. This year’s First Division is not just a promotion battle; it is a test of management capacity, tactical acumen, and resilience for clubs eager to rise. In the context of Vietnamese club football’s strong development, a quality First Division will be an important springboard for the future. For fans, this is a season of waiting and hope. Will CAND return as promised? Will Thép Cần Thơ find its footing? And will the First Division escape the shadow of the V-League to become a truly attractive competition? The answers will gradually unfold after each match.