V-League 2026-27 opens with Dong Nai poised to surprise runners-up The Cong-Viettel

Ho Chi Minh City Dong Nai begin their first V-League campaign against one of the competition’s strongest opponents, and the newly promoted club believes it has the tools to make the opening day uncomfortable for The Cong-Viettel.

The match will take place at Binh Phuoc Stadium at 6 p.m. on Sept. 4. Dong Nai earned promotion after winning the 2025-26 First Division and immediately began reshaping its squad for Vietnam’s top flight. Coach Nguyen Viet Thang recruited domestic players including Bui Tien Dung, Phan Van Hieu, Nguyen Van Duc and goalkeeper Pham Van Phong, along with four European foreigners.

Transfermarkt values the two main attacking additions, Ivan Adrei and Majdevac Andrija, at 800,000 euros and 750,000 euros respectively. Dong Nai have also built confidence through friendlies against strong northern teams. They beat Thanh Hoa 3-1, Cong An Ha Noi 4-2, Ninh Binh 1-0 and Hai Phong 1-0, while drawing 1-1 with Nam Dinh.

The Cong-Viettel finished as runners-up last season after staying close to Cong An Ha Noi in the title race for long stretches. They also surrendered points against lower-ranked opponents and ultimately watched their rivals win the championship. Coach Velizar Popov’s team therefore needs a victory in the opener to build momentum and avoid falling behind from the start.

The visitors have the stronger record and deeper experience, but Dong Nai’s lineup includes players capable of changing a match. Captain Nguyen Cong Phuong, 31, may struggle to last the full game, yet the former Vietnam star remains capable of producing a decisive moment for the home crowd.