V-League 2026/26 kicks off: Nam Định determined to beat HAGL, Xuân Sơn yearns for his first goal

The 2026/26 V-League season officially kicks off with the spotlight on the clash between Thép Xanh Nam Định and Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) at Thiên Trường Stadium. This is not only the opening match for the team from Nam Định, but also the occasion for striker Xuân Sơn to fulfill his desire of scoring his first goal of the season, after returning from the 2026 ASEAN Cup with the Vietnam national team. After a disappointing season that saw them finish only sixth despite possessing a quality squad and receiving significant investment from the board, Thép Xanh Nam Định enter the new campaign with many transformational changes. The names Brenner, Akolo, Lucas Alves, Mahmoud Eid and Mitchell Dijks – foreign players who once played key roles – have all said goodbye. This wave of departures signals a major squad overhaul aimed at a leaner, more pragmatic and cost-efficient approach. Nam Định have registered only four new foreign players: Caio Cesar, Romulo, Lu Sambal and Ezequiel Santos Da Silva. The team have also signed four domestic newcomers: goalkeeper Trịnh Xuân Hoàng, midfielder Trần Mạnh Quỳnh, defender Đàm Tiến Dũng and young striker Phạm Tuấn Hải. According to journalists' sources, Nam Định's approach this season is no longer about lavish spending. Instead, they aim to keep the core squad intact, strengthen the missing positions, and place trust in local players. This decision was made after the club invested heavily last season but failed to achieve results proportional to the spending, leaving fans disappointed. The biggest talking point in the Nam Định squad right now is striker Xuân Sơn. After participating in the 2026 ASEAN Cup with the national team, the striker born in 2026 returns to his club with a new status – one of the most important pillars of the attack. However, pressure is significant as fans expect him to score his opening goal soon. Xuân Sơn had a relatively successful ASEAN Cup campaign with the national team, helping him gain more international experience. However, his fitness needs to be carefully managed in the early stages of the season. During the warm-up session at Thiên Trường Stadium, Xuân Sơn appeared very relaxed and kept smiling while talking with his new teammates. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xuân Sơn said he was ready both physically and mentally. "I always try my best in every training session to help the team earn three points. Whether I score or not is also important, but above all is the team's overall result," he said. Nevertheless, those who follow the club understand that early scoring will help ease his mentality, especially as Nam Định aim to return to the top group. On the other side of the pitch, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai enter the season with the sole objective of avoiding relegation. The team from Pleiku have said goodbye to two key players, Quang Kiệt and Châu Ngọc Quang, who played important roles in the team's gameplay. Losing these two key figures has significantly weakened HAGL, and experts believe this will be an extremely challenging season for coach Lê Quốc Vượng's squad. HAGL are known for their young players from their academy, but coping with this squad crisis at the start of the season is too big a challenge. With few notable signings during the summer transfer window, the team from the mountain town almost have to rely on young faces and a few veterans past their prime. Looking at the balance of power, Nam Định hold a complete advantage over HAGL. They have a more consistent squad, more V-League experience, and notably the home advantage of Thiên Trường Stadium. However, nothing is certain in football. HAGL, as the underdogs, will not feel the pressure to win; they can play defensively and wait for counter-attacking opportunities. From a tactical perspective, coach Vũ Hồng Việt will likely deploy Xuân Sơn as the highest striker, supported by new midfielders such as Trần Mạnh Quỳnh. The domestic strike partnership is expected to form a cohesive duo, especially as the promising young striker Phạm Tuấn Hải can play slightly deeper or drift wide to create space for his senior teammate. The tactical setup Nam Định have applied in recent training sessions suggests they want more ball possession and high pressing in the opponent's half. This requires midfielders to have good physical conditioning and quick ball circulation. Adapting to the pressing style and exploiting fast counter-attacks is what fans are waiting to see from the Nam Định side. However, HAGL also have their own strategies. With a young, hungry squad eager to prove themselves, they could cause trouble if Nam Định become complacent. In the past, the team from Pleiku have produced many shocks against higher-rated opponents. The lesson against complacency is always a valuable reminder for any V-League team, and Nam Định must not be careless. Coach Vũ Hồng Việt was cautious in the pre-match press conference. He stated that although HAGL are rated lower, they remain an organized team with a clear playing style. "We respect all opponents. Nam Định's goal is to play within our capabilities, stick to the plan, and win," he emphasized. On the HAGL side, coach Lê Quốc Vượng also has his own calculations. He understands that his team are inferior in many aspects, but a draw away from home against Nam Định would be an ideal result. HAGL will likely set up a compact defense in front of their penalty area, surrender possession to the opponent, and wait for sharp counter-attacking moments. The match between Nam Định and HAGL promises to be intense and dramatic. Can Xuân Sơn fulfill his promise on opening day? Can Nam Định have a smooth start to build momentum for a successful season? All will be answered after 90 minutes at Thiên Trường Stadium. Besides this match, the opening round of the 2026/26 V-League also features several other notable contests. Thanh Hóa – a team that just resolved its financial issues – have huge ambitions this season and will host SHB Đà Nẵng at home. With a significantly strengthened squad and the desire to prove themselves, Thanh Hóa are predicted to take all three points in their opening match. SLNA will also host newly promoted side New Bac Ninh on opening day – a team that has received much attention recently. This is considered a match where SLNA must win to gain a psychological advantage in the relegation race. However, the strength of a new team eager to prove themselves should not be underestimated. For Nam Định, the match against HAGL is not only a chance to earn three points but also a test of their ambition to return to the top of the standings. A convincing victory will help coach Vũ Hồng Việt's side relieve the pressure of a season that did not live up to expectations. Conversely, if they stumble in the opening match, criticism will once again target the coach. The expectation from fans for Xuân Sơn is also an invisible pressure. But with the experience and resilience built over many seasons, Xuân Sơn understands that the best way to repay that trust is to play with full commitment and score goals. In the Nam Định shirt, he has always wanted to contribute his best to the club that raised and nurtured his talent. The opening round always brings surprises and special emotions. With thorough preparation and a reasonably invested squad, Nam Định are expected to have a more successful season. HAGL may not be a strong opponent, but nobody can be certain about the outcome before the referee blows the opening whistle. Everything will be resolved in 90 minutes at Thiên Trường Stadium. Vietnamese football fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of the newcomers, the return of familiar faces, and the beautiful goals. The 2026/26 V-League will certainly be an exciting season, where every team has the opportunity to compete and assert their position.