V-League 2026-2027 kicks off: Suspensions cast shadow over opening round

At 19:15 on September 4, 2026, the opening whistle of V-League 2026-2027 will sound at Dong Nai Stadium, marking the start of a season expected to be full of surprises. But before the ball rolls, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Disciplinary Committee has issued suspension decisions for 2 players in the opening round, creating new tactical calculations for the involved teams. Specifically, according to the V-League 2026-2026 season summary, two players suspended in Round 1 are Doan Ngoc Tan of The Cong - Viettel and Nguyen Cong Nhat of Ha Noi FC. Both received direct red cards in the final rounds of last season, and according to VFF regulations, the penalties will be applied at the start of the new season. Doan Ngoc Tan, a midfielder who just transferred from Thanh Hoa to The Cong - Viettel during the summer transfer window, received a direct red card in the penultimate round of last season while still playing for Thanh Hoa. Notably, he will serve his suspension in the colors of his new team, a situation not uncommon but always controversial among fans. With The Cong - Viettel being last season's runners-up, the absence of Doan Ngoc Tan in the opening match against newly promoted Truong Tuoi Dong Nai is a significant loss, although the military team is still rated much higher than their opponent. Meanwhile, Nguyen Cong Nhat of Ha Noi FC will be suspended for the first 2 matches of the season, including the away trip to Cong An TP.HCM in Round 1 (September 5) and the home match against SLNA in Round 2. This is a serious loss for the capital team, especially given they just experienced their most disappointing season in 17 years, failing to finish in the top 3 for the first time. Looking back at the 2026-2026 season, Ha Noi FC had a turbulent campaign. In the final round, when they desperately needed a win to compete for a top-3 position, Nguyen Cong Nhat received a direct red card, leaving the team with only a 1-1 draw. That result pushed Ha Noi FC down to 4th place overall, a real shock for fans accustomed to seeing this team always in the leading group. The absence of Nguyen Cong Nhat in the first 2 rounds of the new season further complicates Ha Noi FC's personnel problems. The most notable match in Round 1 is the clash between Cong An TP.HCM and Ha Noi FC at Thong Nhat Stadium. Last season, in the opening match, Ha Noi FC lost 1-2 away to Cong An TP.HCM. Now they must face this opponent again without Nguyen Cong Nhat. However, the capital team also has reasons to hope as their opponent just suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat against Cong An Ha Noi in the 2026 National Super Cup. Coach Diles Athanasios Arthur of Cong An TP.HCM is said to be very determined to win at home in the opening match. After the humiliating Super Cup defeat, pressure is mounting on the Brazilian-Greek tactician. A victory over Ha Noi FC would help him appease public opinion and create a positive psychological momentum for the whole season. Conversely, if they lose again, his position will become even more precarious. Both teams have made significant squad changes during the summer transfer window. Cong An TP.HCM has recruited several quality players to improve their league standing, while Ha Noi FC has also added personnel to make amends for their disappointing season. However, the absence of a key player like Nguyen Cong Nhat will force Ha Noi FC's coach to make significant tactical adjustments, especially in a match considered crucial for the team's psychological state for the entire season. Meanwhile, the match at Dong Nai Stadium between hosts Truong Tuoi Dong Nai and The Cong - Viettel is also highly anticipated. The newly promoted team will certainly enter the match with the highest determination to surprise their formidable opponent. Despite missing Doan Ngoc Tan, The Cong - Viettel is still rated higher thanks to their balanced squad and top-flight experience. However, matches between big teams and newcomers always harbor surprises, especially in the opening round when teams haven't yet achieved their best stability. Another notable point is the VFF's suspension regulation. The application of direct red cards from the previous season to the start of the new season is a standard rule in world football. However, in the case of Doan Ngoc Tan, who has changed clubs, serving his suspension in the colors of his new team may cause confusion among some fans. Nevertheless, this is a clear regulation that has been applied for a long time, nothing unusual. For Ha Noi FC, the story doesn't stop at Nguyen Cong Nhat's suspension. This team is facing a pivotal season. After 17 consecutive years in the top 3, dropping out of the leading group last season is seen as a wake-up call. The club's leadership has made personnel changes, but the biggest question is whether the team has enough character and squad depth to return to their former position. The match against Cong An TP.HCM will be the first and most important test for Ha Noi FC's comeback ambitions. If they win, it will create a huge psychological boost. Conversely, if they lose, difficulties will pile up, and pressure on the coaching staff will become enormous. For Cong An TP.HCM, this match is also of vital importance. The 0-5 defeat in the Super Cup is a deep wound, and only a victory over Ha Noi FC can help them restore the fans' trust. Coach Diles Athanasios Arthur understands this well, and his determination is understandable. But determination can sometimes be a double-edged sword; if his team attacks too hastily, they may leave gaps at the back. Experts suggest that the opening round of V-League 2026-2027 will be highly unpredictable. With fluctuations in squad strength, psychology, and form, predicting results is not easy. But that unpredictability is precisely what makes football so appealing. The match between Truong Tuoi Dong Nai and The Cong - Viettel will take place at 19:15 on September 4, 2026, at Dong Nai Stadium. Meanwhile, the match between Cong An TP.HCM and Ha Noi FC will take place at 19:15 on September 5, 2026, at Thong Nhat Stadium. Both matches will be broadcast live on national channels and VPF's digital platforms. V-League 2026-2027 promises to be a dramatic season as all teams have made strong investments. Ha Noi FC is eager to return, The Cong - Viettel wants to go one step further to win the championship, Cong An TP.HCM wants to assert their position, and other teams also have their own ambitions. Everything will begin from this first round.