2026-2027 National Cup: Four V-League failures and the survival dilemma

The ball never stopped beating; only in the 2026-2027 National Cup, the rhythm sounded different. Over the weekend, eight preliminary-round matches were played across Vietnam, and by the final whistle, four V-League clubs had lost. Three of those defeats came at home. What stood out was not the score, but the context: home crowds silent, coaches repeating the same words about focusing on the main league, and a clear gap in ambition between the two groups. In Vietnamese football, the National Cup is often seen as a secondary stage. Clubs fighting relegation treat it as a burden. Each cup match brings travel costs, accommodation and the risk of injuries to key players. For clubs without strong finances, survival in the V-League is more important than any trophy. Thanh Hóa embodied that dilemma. The club narrowly secured its place in the V-League before the season, with a limited squad due to budget constraints. Just before facing Becamex TP.HCM, FIFA ordered Thanh Hóa to pay more than 305,000 USD to Rimario Gordon. If unresolved within 45 days of the September 16 notice, the club faces a registration ban for three transfer windows. The debt came from the previous sponsor, while the club had already been handed over to new management. On the pitch, Becamex TP.HCM pressed well, played faster and won 2-0 with no trouble. Hoang Anh Gia Lai lost 2-3 to Hung Yen in Quy Nhon after being forced away from Pleiku due to pitch renovation. With fewer fans behind them and a weaker squad than last season, the team led by coach Le Quang Trai fell behind 1-3 before a 90+4 penalty made it 2-3. Two early V-League defeats made the cup early exit less painful; it may even help them focus on relegation. Hai Phong lost 0-1 at home to Can Tho Steel, a club that had just moved from Quang Ninh. New signing Thaileon scored the only goal shortly after joining. Hong Linh Ha Tinh drew 0-0 after 90 minutes and lost 2-3 on penalties to Phu Tho. Bac Ninh were the only V-League side to win, beating Long An 3-2 away. The result offered proof that a club still willing to respect the cup can create a bright spot. The four defeats reflected a deeper reality: for many V-League teams, the cup is a cost to be avoided, while for First Division clubs, it is a stage to prove themselves. From my years of following teams, the biggest difference was not player quality but willingness to take risks. Underneath the results, this was about survival, budget constraints and the harsh rules of Vietnamese football. The real question is whether clubs can properly compete on two fronts; if not, the format and rewards must change. For now, the ball keeps rolling. The First Division is singing, and the V-League is listening.