National Cup 2026-2027: Four Shocks, One Message

Last weekend, the 2026-2027 National Cup qualifying round witnessed one of the darkest days for Vietnamese football. Four of the five V-League representatives were eliminated by First Division clubs, three of them losing at home. Thanh Hoa lost 0-2 to Becamex TP.HCM, Hoang Anh Gia Lai fell 2-3 to Hung Yen, Hai Phong lost 0-1 to Steel Can Tho, and Hong Linh Ha Tinh lost on penalties to Phu Tho. Only Bac Ninh advanced, beating Long An 3-2. The results, though shocking, reflect a growing trend: many V-League clubs prioritize survival over cup success. Financial difficulties, fixture congestion, and limited squads often make them treat the cup as a secondary tournament. Meanwhile, First Division teams arrive with hunger, tactical discipline, and a willingness to upset the odds. In Thanh Hoa's case, a debt of $305,000 to Rimario Gordon and a potential transfer ban cast a shadow over the team. They lacked focus and were outplayed by a determined Becamex side. HAGL, playing away from their usual Pleiku stadium due to pitch renovation, were out-fought by a young Hung Yen team. Hai Phong, still inconsistent in the V-League, lost to a club that had just relocated from Quang Ninh. Ha Tinh controlled their match against Phu Tho but failed to convert chances, paying the price in a shootout. This is a warning for Vietnamese football: the gap between the top league and the second tier is narrowing. Complacency is no longer acceptable. As I often say, 'The formation code remembers its creator.' Teams that disrespect any match will be punished. For some, early elimination may even be a blessing as they focus on relegation battles. The real message is that every match matters, and professionalism must be the standard at all times.