The play-off round in the Ho Chi Minh City region was heated.

8/12 TEAMS IN THE PLAY-OFFS HAD PARTICIPATED IN THE FINALS LAST SEASON

The Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers for the TNSV THACO Cup 2026 took place from January 9th to 22nd, bringing together 35 teams (divided into 9 groups) to compete. After 14 days of exciting competition with 51 matches, 11 teams advanced to the play-off round, including 9 group winners: Ton Duc Thang University, Van Hien University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports, Quy Nhon University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Dong Nai University of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology - VNU; along with the two best-performing second-place teams: College of Foreign Trade Economics and Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. In addition, the 12th play-off spot went to the second-placed team in the Southwest regional qualifiers, Tra Vinh University, after they lost to Dong Thap University in the match for a direct spot in the finals.

Nảy lửa vòng play-off khu vực TP.HCM- Ảnh 1. — The highly anticipated match between the home team, Ton Duc Thang University ( *right* ), and Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports is something to look forward to.

Yesterday, January 23rd, the draw for the Ho Chi Minh City regional play-off round was held at the Thanh Nien Newspaper office (Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), determining the six matchups. Accordingly, Quy Nhon University will face the College of Foreign Trade Economics , Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports will face Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology - VNU will face Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, Van Hien University will face Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology will face Tra Vinh University, and Van Lang University will face Dong Nai University of Technology. According to the head coaches of the participating teams after the draw, the Ho Chi Minh City regional play-off round promises to be fierce, as all the teams are formidable. The clearest evidence of the intensity of the play-off round is that eight of the twelve teams mentioned above previously participated in the 2025 TNSV Finals.

After the two group stage matches played at Tao Dan Stadium, the six playoff matches will return to the familiar Ton Duc Thang University Stadium.

M IN THE EXCITING SCENE BETWEEN 2 NEWCOMERS

The opening match of the Ho Chi Minh City regional play-offs was a clash between two newcomers: Quy Nhon University and the College of Foreign Trade Economics. Although Quy Nhon University had participated in the finals last season, this was their first time playing in Ho Chi Minh City for the qualifying round (as there was no regional qualifying round for the South Central and Central Highlands regions). Despite playing away from home, the team coached by Thai Binh Thuan demonstrated their strength by securing a perfect 9 points with 3 wins out of 3 matches in Group 4.

Nảy lửa vòng play-off khu vực TP.HCM- Ảnh 2.

Meanwhile, the College of Foreign Trade Economics team, making their first appearance at the Student Sports Tournament, has already made a strong impression. Under the guidance of national referee Tran Ngoc Nho, the team fully deserves its place in the play-off round, having scored 12 goals in 3 matches. "Having made it this far, we have to fight against any team. But we also understood from the beginning that this is a playground for students to enjoy themselves and create beautiful memories of their student life. As newcomers, we're already very happy to have made it this far; we're not putting too much pressure on achieving results. In this round, the opportunities are evenly distributed among the teams. In terms of experience, Quy Nhon University might have a slight edge over us. However, psychologically, the College of Foreign Trade Economics will be more relaxed going into the match, which is also our advantage," coach Tran Ngoc Nho commented.

FORMER KING'S OWNER

One of the highlight matches of the Ho Chi Minh City regional play-offs is the clash between the home team, Ton Duc Thang University, and the former champions, Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports (winners of season II - 2024). Coach Nguyen Dinh Long (Ton Duc Thang University team) has a well-rounded squad, whose class has been demonstrated in the group stage. Over three matches, Ton Duc Thang University has won all three, scoring 15 goals and conceding none. On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports, after missing out on the finals last season (also losing in the play-offs), is showing great determination to win a ticket to Nha Trang next March. Head coach Pham Thai Vinh confidently stated: "It can be said that the spirit of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports team is very relaxed when facing Ton Duc Thang University, because this is a very familiar opponent. In terms of head-to-head records, we have defeated them many times. However, we cannot use history to judge the present, so we will enter the match with confidence but without complacency." Regarding Ton Duc Thang University's home advantage, Coach Pham Thai Vinh shared: "The students always cheer with a carefree and pure spirit. Therefore, the large audience will create excitement for both teams. We have nothing to feel pressured about; in fact, we feel even more enthusiastic."

Coach Tram Quoc Nam of Tra Vinh University is still regretting missing out on a direct ticket to the finals. He said that although disappointed, the whole team has recovered their spirits and is ready for the important match against Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. "Generally speaking, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology is a strong team in student football in Ho Chi Minh City. This match will be evenly matched, and both teams will need to focus and play at over 100% to win. Tra Vinh University will strive to achieve a hat-trick, securing a ticket to the finals for the third consecutive time," Coach Nam emphasized.

The final match of the Ho Chi Minh City regional play-offs was a highly anticipated clash between Dong Nai University of Technology and Van Lang University. Head coach Le Huu Phat of Dong Nai University of Technology stated: "The two teams have met many times before, but in our most recent encounter, also in a decisive match, we lost. Therefore, in this play-off, my players and I are eager to 'get revenge' against our opponent. Dong Nai University of Technology's squad has been slightly affected by health issues involving three players. Even so, we are ready to fight for a ticket to the finals in Nha Trang."