The announcement, made on April 30, marks Vietnam’s return to Asia’s premier club competition after two consecutive seasons without representation.

Ranked seventh in the East Region, the V-League will have one direct group-stage place in the AFC Champions League Two and one playoff opportunity for the Elite tournament. Under this format, the V-League champions, currently led by Hanoi Police FC, will need to compete in a qualifying playoff to secure a place in Asia’s top-tier club competition.

Compared with regional rivals, Malaysia’s Super League, ranked sixth in the East, received one direct Elite slot and one AFC Champions League Two berth, while Thailand’s top division, ranked third behind Japan and the Republic of Korea, was awarded three direct Elite slots and one in the second-tier competition.

Vietnam’s improved position comes as the AFC expands the Champions League Elite from 24 to 32 teams starting in the 2026–27 season.

At present, Hanoi Police FC lead the V-League standings with 51 points after 20 rounds, holding a nine-point advantage over second-placed The Cong Viettel and moving closer to the domestic title. Should they secure the championship, the club are expected to strengthen both financial capacity and squad depth ahead of potential continental competition.

Recent contract renewals with key players such as Doan Van Hau, Tran Dinh Trong, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, along with head coach Alexandre Polking, indicate early preparation for a possible Asian campaign.

Vietnam fine-tune tactics ahead of departure for AFC U17 Asian Cup

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s U17 national team held a final internal friendly against Hanoi Youth on April 29 to fine-tune technical and tactical elements ahead of their departure for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals.