VFF held the draw for the 2026 national third division in Hanoi on September 30. Twelve clubs were placed in two regional groups, with Group A playing in Dan Phuong and Group B at the Tien Giang and Son Quy grounds in Dong Thap.

The competition is scheduled for October 12–November 9 as a double round-robin. The top two teams in each group qualify for the 2027 second division. Opening fixtures include Van Xuan Dan Phuong against Binh Dinh FC and Dong Thap against STP Food HCMC, with the full official schedule to be updated.