Hanoi, 24 August 2026 – Vietnam’s professional football landscape is set for significant changes after the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) officially unveiled the V.League 1 – 2026/27 season in Hanoi on August 24.
Alongside a refreshed identity built around the message “International Playground, National Festival,” the new campaign will introduce several changes aimed at improving playing standards, competitiveness and the overall experience for supporters.
One of the most significant adjustments concerns foreign players. From the 2026/27 season, clubs will be permitted to field a maximum of four foreign players at the same time, an increase of one compared with the previous campaign.
The change gives coaches greater flexibility when constructing their squads and could have a considerable impact on tactical approaches across the league.
The additional foreign-player slot is particularly significant for title contenders and clubs competing across multiple competitions. Coaches will have more options in key positions, although they will also need to find the right balance between overseas signings and domestic players.
Increased competition for places could also raise expectations for Vietnamese players, who will need to improve both technically and tactically to secure regular playing time.
For Vietnamese clubs participating in AFC and AFF competitions, teams will be allowed to register up to seven foreign players, although no more than four can be on the pitch simultaneously in domestic competition. The expanded registration allowance is designed to provide greater squad depth for teams dealing with demanding schedules at home and abroad.
Speaking at the launch, Bui Thai Ha, Vice Chairman of LPBank’s Board of Directors, reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to Vietnamese professional football.
“Our partnership with the V.League for three consecutive seasons demonstrates LPBank’s long-term commitment to the development of professional football in Vietnam. We hope the competition’s new identity will provide further momentum to improve sporting quality, the fan experience and the overall appeal of Vietnamese football.”
Technology will also remain central to the competition’s development, with VAR continuing to play a major role in refereeing.
The 2026/27 season will operate with five FIFA-standard VAR vehicles, providing officials with additional support when reviewing complex incidents and helping reduce potentially match-changing errors.
The launch also marked a broader shift in how Vietnam’s professional football system presents itself. According to Vietnam Football Federation Vice President Tran Anh Tu, the new “International Playground, National Festival” identity represents more than a visual rebranding.
“It reflects an innovative mindset and a development vision suited to this new period of growth, creating momentum for a breakthrough across Vietnam’s professional football competitions.”
Broadcasting standards are also expected to improve during the new campaign.
FPT Play will continue upgrading its match production, with approximately 30% of the league’s 182 matches set to use 12 cameras operating at 50P. Selected high-profile fixtures could also be produced in 4K, providing viewers with higher-quality coverage.
A redesigned television graphics package will be synchronized with VPF’s new visual identity, creating a more consistent presentation across broadcasts.
Digital viewing will also become more interactive. Supporters will have access to live scores, fixtures and real-time league standings, while features such as instant replay and quick navigation to key moments will give audiences greater control over how they follow matches.
The V.League 2026/27 will feature 14 clubs, with each team playing every opponent home and away across 26 rounds and 182 matches.
The season is scheduled to kick off on September 4, 2026, with the final round set for May 22, 2027.
LPBank will remain associated with the competition for a third consecutive season, but the wider focus of the new campaign goes beyond sponsorship or visual branding.
With an expanded foreign-player quota, greater use of VAR, upgraded broadcast technology and a refreshed competition identity, VPF hopes the changes will raise sporting standards, intensify competition and move the V.League closer to the standards of leading professional leagues across the region.
VSN/RPT
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