Hanoi, 4 April 2026 – According to the latest update from Opta on global domestic league rankings, V.League 1 has climbed one place to 117th in the world. In Asia, the league now ranks 14th, while in Southeast Asia it holds second place behind the Thai League 1.
Notably, V.League 1 is currently ranked above the Chinese Super League, which sits at 119th globally, and remains well ahead of Indonesia’s Liga 1 (155th) and Malaysia’s Super League (173rd). This reflects a steady rise in competitiveness and consistency across Vietnamese domestic football in recent years.
Opta’s rankings are calculated based on clubs’ performances in international competitions, along with overall strength assessments across continents and confederations. These metrics provide a broader picture of league quality beyond just reputation or financial power.
One key factor behind V.League 1’s improvement is its growing balance between clubs. According to Opta’s analysis, while the top five clubs in the Chinese Super League may still hold a slight edge in quality, the overall competitiveness across the entire V.League 1 is stronger. This means mid-table and lower-ranked teams in Vietnam are performing at a more consistent level, contributing positively to the league’s overall rating.
This balance has made V.League 1 increasingly unpredictable and competitive, with more clubs capable of challenging for top positions. It also reflects better investment in youth development, improved coaching standards, and a gradual rise in tactical discipline across teams.
At the top of the Asian rankings remains the J1 League, widely regarded as the continent’s most professional and well-structured competition. Known for its high level of organization, strong fan engagement, and consistent player development, the J1 League has long served as a launching platform for Japanese and Asian players aiming to move to European football.
For V.League 1, this latest ranking is a positive signal. While there is still a gap to close with Asia’s elite leagues, the upward movement highlights clear progress and provides momentum for further development in the years ahead.
VSN/RPT
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