Round 1 fixture schedule of the 2026-2027 Vietnamese First Division: CAND, Becamex HCMC kick off, Saigon derby

Round 1 of the 2026-2027 Vietnamese First Division will kick off from September 11 to 13, 2026, with 7 matches full of promise. This is the first season after Công An Nhân Dân (CAND) was relegated from the V-League, and the club has set the goal of returning immediately. Their opening match will be at home against an opponent yet to be specified in the schedule. CAND's determination is evident through pre-season statements, creating high pressure on the coaching staff and players. One of the notable highlights is the Ho Chi Minh City derby between Đại học Văn Hiến and Becamex TP.HCM. Becamex TP.HCM is considered financially strong thanks to the backing of the Becamex Bình Dương conglomerate, which could make them a promotion contender. Meanwhile, Đại học Văn Hiến is a traditional club that has never reached the V-League; this derby is expected to attract a large local audience. This season's First Division features 14 teams playing a double round-robin format. The top two teams will be promoted to the V-League, while the bottom two will be relegated to the Second Division. This structure creates fierce competition from the very first rounds. Besides CAND and Becamex TP.HCM, other teams such as Thép Cần Thơ (a newly relocated club from Quảng Ninh) are also noteworthy. Thép Cần Thơ's move to Cần Thơ could be a strategic step to expand football in the Mekong Delta region, but it comes with risks regarding infrastructure and local fan support. In terms of media coverage, all Round 1 matches will be broadcast live on multiple platforms: FPT Play, TV360, HTV, and MyTV. This is a positive sign of growing media interest in the First Division. FPT Play and TV360 are popular OTT platforms, while HTV covers the southern region. Multiple broadcast channels make it easier for fans to follow matches and provide opportunities for sponsors to reach a wider audience. This diversity also reflects the digitalization trend in Vietnamese sports as lower-tier leagues gradually receive more investment in broadcasting rights. Although the schedule has been announced, information about squad composition, tactics, or player injuries remains unavailable. This makes it difficult for experts to provide in-depth analysis of each match. However, based on the context of the new season, CAND appears to be under the most pressure to prove itself after relegation. Meanwhile, Becamex TP.HCM, with its superior financial resources compared to the league average, could be a strong candidate for promotion. Teams like Thép Cần Thơ, or those newly promoted from the Second Division, will have to work hard to avoid relegation. Another notable point is the absence of transfer news or pre-season personnel changes. This indicates that the First Division's transfer market operates more quietly than the V-League, but it is no less important. Clubs need careful squad preparation to compete in a demanding league. CAND was once a strong team in the V-League, but after relegation, they may have undergone changes in personnel and coaching staff. The lack of official squad information means fans can only wait for actual on-field performances. Round 1 of the 2026-2027 First Division promises to bring exciting surprises. Will CAND have a smooth start? Will Becamex TP.HCM make a difference thanks to financial strength? Will Thép Cần Thơ stabilize after relocation? All will be answered when the ball rolls on September 11, 12, and 13. Fans can follow the matches live on FPT Play, TV360, HTV, and MyTV to not miss any thrilling developments of this year's competition.