Goalkeeper Lai Tuan Vu directs his teammates from Dong Nai Trade Union 1 on the field - Photo: QUANG THINH
On June 9th, the Southern regional qualifiers for the 2026 Vietnam Workers and Public Employees Football Tournament determined the four teams that will advance to the semi-finals, competing tomorrow (June 10th) at Ton Duc Thang University Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City).
Although they couldn't reach the quarterfinals and secure a spot in the national finals next July, the Dong Nai 1 Trade Union still made an impression with their convincing performance.
Placed in the tough Group E, Dong Nai 1 Trade Union has 5 points after 3 matches, ranking second behind the Southern Ho Chi Minh City Petroleum Trade Union (7 points).
In the final group stage match, where both teams needed a win to advance, Dong Nai 1 Trade Union and the reigning runner-up of the Southern qualifying round, Sawaco, drew 1-1.
Dong Nai 1 Union couldn't advance further, but Lai Tuan Vu - former goalkeeper of Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC (formerly Becamex Binh Duong) - made a lasting impression after his outstanding performance in the group stage.
Lai Tuan Vu performed outstandingly while playing for Dong Nai Trade Union 1 - Photo: QUANG THINH
With his height of 1.85m and his experience playing professionally before competing in prestigious amateur tournaments, Lai Tuan Vu easily controlled the penalty area, firmly defending the goal for Dong Nai 1 Trade Union. Unfortunately, the 33-year-old lacked a bit of luck to help his team reach the quarterfinals.
Lai Tuan Vu rose through the ranks of the Dong Nai youth academy and then played for Dong Nai Club in the First Division. He joined Becamex Ho Chi Minh City Club in the 2017 season but was loaned to Binh Dinh Club (2018) and Binh Phuoc Club (2019) to gain experience.
It was only when Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC pursued its goal of rejuvenating its squad that Lai Tuan Vu was called back to play in the V-League 2020, and he subsequently became an indispensable part of the team.
After retiring from professional football in 2022, Lai Tuan Vu joined amateur football and continued to make a significant impact.
Nevertheless, the 2026 Vietnam Workers' and Employees' Football Tournament remains the biggest tournament Lai Tuan Vu has participated in, and unfortunately, he couldn't help Dong Nai 1 Union reach the quarterfinals. Even more disheartening was hearing that Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC was relegated from the V-League after 22 years.
"I was sad to hear that Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC was relegated. After all, this is the team I played for for four years, a time to remember," Lai Tuan Vu shared.
"In 2026, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor and Tuoi Tre newspaper, in coordination with the Vietnam Football Federation, will continue to organize the Vietnam Workers and Public Employees Football Tournament."
Entering its 4th season, the tournament brings together 48 teams from all over the country, continuing to affirm its position as a prestigious annual competition for workers, civil servants, and laborers nationwide.
This contributes to promoting the physical training and sports movement, and improving the cultural and spiritual life of workers in particular and society as a whole.
The total prize money for the tournament amounts to 900 million VND, with the national champion receiving 200 million VND.
Notably, this is the fourth consecutive season that the Vietnam Workers and Employees Football Tournament has been honored to receive the support of its Diamond Sponsor - Truong Hai Group (THACO). The commitment of THACO, along with partners such as Revive Sports Water, Dong Luc Sports Group, Vietnam Cable Television Corporation (VTVcab), FPT Television Company Limited (FPT Play), and many other businesses, has contributed to strongly spreading the humanitarian values, solidarity spirit, and community significance of the tournament.
The Southern regional qualifiers will take place from June 7th to 10th, 2026 at Ton Duc Thang University Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City) with the participation of 24 teams. The season will conclude with the national finals, tentatively scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City from July 16th to 19th, 2026.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nga-re-cua-cuu-thu-mon-clb-becamex-tp-hcm-20260609163012291.htm
![[Photo gallery] Tens of thousands of tourists visit and enjoy local specialties at the Long Khánh Fruit Festival.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/402x226/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/06/28/1782662218511_b_20260628224930.jpeg)
