V-League 2026/27: Five clubs facing the greatest relegation threat

When the 2026/27 fixture list was released, the opening match between SLNA and Bac Ninh at Vinh Stadium stood out as a "six-pointer" from Round 1. Both teams are considered relegation candidates by experts, and the result could shape the psychological tone for their entire survival campaigns.

The V-League 2026/27 has a crucial change: the bottom two teams will be relegated directly, with no play-off. This eliminates the safety net, making every point vital. Five clubs are identified as facing the greatest threat: SLNA, Bac Ninh (promoted), Dong Nai (promoted), Thanh Hoa, and HAGL.

SLNA: A risky rebuilding job

SLNA enters the new season with major squad upheaval. They parted ways with four key players, including two foreigners Michael Olaha and Carlos Fortes, plus domestic duo Ngo Van Luong and Vuong Van Huy. Despite securing a new sponsor, limited financial resources meant they could not retain key pillars. Coach Van Sy Son admitted the squad is younger and needs time for new foreigners to adapt. He said: "We must collect every possible point." This signals a pragmatic, defensive-counterattacking approach.

SLNA's only strength is the youth products from Nghe An's famous academy. But losing four experienced players leaves a leadership vacuum in the dressing room. Pressure from fans of a traditional club grows when results go wrong.

Bac Ninh: Ambition and risk of a newcomer

Bac Ninh are a newly promoted side with a massive recruitment drive: 7 domestic signings and 3 Brazilian foreigners including Vitao and Brenner Marlos. They also signed overseas Vietnamese midfielder Minh-Kai. However, releasing experienced players like Huynh Tuan Linh, Truong Van Thiet, and Ha Duc Chinh leaves the squad lacking composure. Expert assessments note the team lacks V-League experience and calmness.

Heavy spending on foreigners is a double-edged sword. If the tactical system is not cohesive enough, reliance on individual quality of the three Brazilians could lead to volatile results. The adaptation risk to Vietnamese football is huge.

Dong Nai: Fate tied to Cong Phuong

Dong Nai invest heavily but depend too much on Cong Phuong's form. Coach Nguyen Viet Thang is also seen as a decisive factor. When a team has only one focal point, opponents can easily game-plan. If Cong Phuong declines or gets injured, the entire attacking system collapses. Media pressure on this national star is immense, and every performance is scrutinized.

Thanh Hoa and HAGL: Experience is not enough

Both clubs have years of V-League experience, but finances are struggling. Thanh Hoa and HAGL both have to sell players to balance budgets. HAGL is famous for its youth academy, but constant talent drain leaves the squad without depth. Experience only helps avoid silly mistakes, but cannot replace squad quality.

Contrarian view

Many assume newcomers will be the first to go down. But in reality, experienced sides like SLNA and HAGL are in decline, which is even more dangerous. The complacency of teams thinking they are safe can lead to collapse. With two direct relegation spots and no play-off, every mistake costs a place in the First Division.

Next signal

This season will be the toughest test for all five clubs. The opening match between SLNA and Bac Ninh is a chance for one to gain psychological momentum. But the bigger question is whether they can withstand financial and professional pressure over 26 rounds. Those who think relegation is only a story for newcomers will have to think again.