National Cup 2025-2026: Ho Chi Minh City FC gets off to a smooth start.

On the day of the reunion of two former Vietnamese national team players, coach Nguyen Minh Phuong led Ho Chi Minh City FC to a victory against Dong Thap FC, coached by former striker Phan Thanh Binh.

The opening match of the 2025-2026 National Cup yesterday, September 12th, was a clash between two representatives from the First Division at the Ba Ria stadium: Ho Chi Minh City FC (the new name of Ba Ria-Vung Tau FC) and Dong Thap FC.

Accordingly, the name TP.HCM, which played in the V-League last season (now renamed Ho Chi Minh City Police FC), was transferred to Ba Ria-Vung Tau FC (after Ba Ria-Vung Tau province merged with Ho Chi Minh City). At the same time, the club's management successfully persuaded coach Nguyen Minh Phuong to continue leading the club. An interesting detail in the match between TP.HCM FC and Dong Thap FC came from the coaching bench, as it was a battle of wits between two former Vietnamese national team players, Nguyen Minh Phuong and Phan Thanh Binh. They had both won the 2008 Southeast Asian Football Championship (AFF Cup). Taking advantage of home field advantage and a tight playing style, TP.HCM FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Dong Thap FC. This minimal win allowed coach Minh Phuong's team to advance to the next round.

Ho Chi Minh City FC (left) secures a place in the next round of the National Cup.

PHOTO: Ho Chi Minh City Club

The second matchday of the 2025-2026 National Cup, taking place today (September 13th), promises to be even more exciting with the appearance of teams currently competing in the V-League. Among them, Ninh Binh FC is expected to continue its dominance in the domestic league. Despite being a newcomer in the V-League, Ninh Binh FC has made a strong impression in the early stages of the season. After three rounds, Nguyen Hoang Duc and his teammates have delivered a convincing performance with a perfect record, winning all three matches, securing 9 points, scoring 10 goals, and leading the league table. On the other side, Phu Tho FC has just completed the transfer procedures from Gia Dinh FC (recently promoted from the second division). Just a few days ago, the entire former Gia Dinh FC squad moved to Phu Tho for training. With such a tight preparation time before the new season, Phu Tho FC is unlikely to spring a surprise against Ninh Binh FC, which boasts a superior squad and high morale. The match between Phu Tho Club and Ninh Binh Club will take place at 4 PM today at Viet Tri Stadium.

At Thanh Hoa Stadium, at 6 PM, Thanh Hoa FC will face HAGL. These two teams are currently at the bottom of the V-League table after the first three matches, each with only 1 point. Their opening match in the National Cup is seen as an opportunity for both teams to boost their morale and confidence before the next phase of the V-League after the FIFA Days break in September. Thanh Hoa FC is currently facing many difficulties, from the results of their early matches to the issues surrounding Chairman Doan. Provincial leaders and the club have expressed their intention to help the team overcome these challenges, but a sense of temporary uncertainty remains. The other match of the 2025-2026 National Cup is between Long An FC and Quy Nhon FC at 4 PM at Long An Stadium.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cup-quoc-gia-2025-2026-clb-tphcm-khoi-dau-suon-se-185250912214101324.htm