Vietnamese Football in 2026: Early Development Steps Amid Division

The year 2026 marked a special period for Vietnamese sports as the country remained divided. In South Vietnam, the National Football Championship continued with participation from strong clubs such as Dong Thap, Gach Dong Tam, and Saigon Police. Matches attracted large crowds despite difficult living conditions. In the North, football was considered a national sport with special attention from leaders. The North Vietnamese national team played numerous friendly matches with teams from the Soviet Union, China, and other socialist countries, accumulating international experience. A significant highlight of 2026 was the preparation for Southeast Asian regional tournaments. However, due to wartime conditions, many international competition plans were interrupted or postponed, creating major challenges for professional football development in both regions. Regarding sports infrastructure, stadiums in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Saigon continued to host competitions. However, facilities remained limited compared to other countries in the region. Lessons from 2026 show that Vietnamese sports strived to maintain development despite complex historical circumstances. Players from this period contributed to laying the foundation for the later development of Vietnamese football.