Reigning champion SACOMBANK gets off to a smooth start

Defending champions SACOMBANK kicked off their campaign for the 2026 Vietnam Football Championship for Workers and Civil Servants with a decisive 7-2 victory over Vĩnh Long Trade Union in the southern region qualifiers. The match, held on June 7, was part of a series of dominant performances, including wins for Quảng Ngãi Trade Union (9-1), Đồng Nai 4 Trade Union (7-1), and Gia Lai Trade Union (7-0).

SACOMBANK, despite a less abundant squad compared to last year, showcased their strength and ambition to retain their title. Players Huỳnh Long Mẫn and Nguyễn Thành Đạt are expected to lead the team's charge. The tournament structure, which advances only the top team from each group and the two best second-place teams, emphasizes the importance of goal difference, making strong opening performances crucial for advancing.

This year marks the fourth iteration of the championship, co-organized by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and Tuổi Trẻ Newspaper in collaboration with the Vietnam Football Federation. The event has grown to include 48 teams nationwide, solidifying its position as a prestigious annual competition for workers and civil servants. The tournament aims to foster sportsmanship and enhance the cultural and spiritual lives of participants.

The total prize money for the tournament reaches 900 million VND, with the national champion receiving 200 million VND. The event enjoys significant support from sponsors, including Diamond Sponsor Trường Hải (THACO), Revive Sports Drink, Động Lực Sports Group, VTVcab, and FPT Play, among others. These partnerships highlight the tournament's role in promoting humanitarian values, solidarity, and community spirit. The southern qualifiers run from June 7-10, with the national finals scheduled for July 16-19 in Ho Chi Minh City.