Hue, 14 June 2026 – Hanoi FC Youth Team and Hue FC have secured promotion to the 2026/27 National First Division after impressive victories in the semi-finals of the 2026 National Second Division Championship, becoming the first two clubs to book their places in Vietnam’s second-tier professional league next season.
In the opening semi-final in Quy Nhon, Hanoi FC Youth Team produced a spirited comeback to defeat Gia Dinh FC 3-1 and seal promotion. Although coach Pham Minh Duc’s side entered the match as favorites and controlled much of the early play, they were stunned in the 30th minute when Gia Dinh were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for handball inside the area.
Captain Nguyen Thai Son stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Gia Dinh a surprise lead. The setback briefly disrupted Hanoi FC Youth Team, but the capital side responded with composure and determination.
Just before halftime, Nguyen Dinh Thinh rose highest inside the box to head home the equalizer, restoring parity and giving his team a crucial boost heading into the second half.
After the restart, Hanoi FC Youth Team continued to dominate proceedings. Their pressure eventually paid off as Nguyen Anh Tu and Nguyen Tien Dat found the net to complete an impressive turnaround and secure a 3-1 victory. The result confirmed promotion and highlighted the club’s strong youth development pathway.
The second semi-final saw Hue FC deliver an even more commanding performance against Lam Dong FC. The former professional side wasted no time asserting their superiority, scoring twice within the opening eight minutes through Nguyen Lam Hai Son and Nguyen Huu Tuan.
Hue effectively put the contest beyond doubt before halftime when Nguyen Huu Tuan completed his brace to make it 3-0. With a comfortable cushion, coach Le Chi Nguyen’s team controlled the remainder of the match and safely saw out the result.
Widely regarded as one of the strongest squads in the competition, Hue FC demonstrated their quality throughout the season and earned an immediate return to the National First Division after spending just one year in the Second Division.
In addition to securing promotion, both Hanoi FC Youth Team and Hue FC received a bonus of 250 million VND from the tournament organizers in recognition of their achievement.
Despite their semi-final defeats, Gia Dinh FC and Lam Dong FC still have one final opportunity to earn promotion. The two teams will meet in a decisive playoff match on June 16 in Quy Nhon, with the winner claiming the final available place in the 2026/27 National First Division.
The promotion of Hanoi FC Youth Team and Hue FC marks another important chapter in Vietnamese football, with both clubs now preparing for the challenges of a higher level as they look to continue their development and establish themselves in the professional game.
VSN/RPT
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