The 2026 Second Division officially kicks off, with 14 teams competing for 3 promotion spots.

The 2026 National Second Division football league officially starts on March 24, with 14 teams competing for 3 promotion spots.

The 2026 National Second Division football league will officially commence on March 24, initiating a tense race for 3 promotion spots to the 2026/27 National First Division. With the participation of 14 teams, the season promises exciting, dramatic, and high-quality professional matches.

Among the 14 participating teams, 9 continue from the previous season: Dak Lak, Hoai Duc, Lam Dong, Quang Ngai, PVF, Tay Ninh, Hanoi Youth, SHB Da Nang Youth, and Vinh Long. Additionally, Hue returns after relegation from the 2024/25 First Division, along with 4 teams that earned promotion from the 2025 Third Division: Phu Dong Youth, Hanoi Police Youth, Ha Tinh Sports Training Center, and Truong Giang Gia Dinh. This diversity brings new challenges and opportunities for youth teams across the country.

According to the competition format, teams are divided into groups and play a double round-robin (home and away) in the qualifying stage to determine rankings. The top two teams from each group advance to the final round, where the four best teams compete for the 3 promotion spots to the 2026/27 First Division. Meanwhile, the two lowest-performing teams after the qualifiers will be relegated to the Third Division next season, adding competitive pressure at the bottom of the table.

The match schedule is specifically arranged, with the first round of qualifiers running from March 24 to April 25, before teams enter the second round from May 6 to June 7. The final round is scheduled from June 13 to June 16, promising fierce and tense matches that will decide the valuable promotion tickets.

Teams have actively prepared in terms of personnel, tactics, and form for the new season. Comprehensive preparation combined with the professional organization by the organizers makes the 2026 Second Division a launchpad for young players' development and a quality platform for Vietnamese football.

The tournament not only features high competitiveness but also contributes to discovering and nurturing new talents, accompanying the national competition system. With its official commencement on March 24, the 2026 National Second Division football league promises impressive performances, leaving a mark on fans and professionals.