The 2026 national third division opened at Đan Phượng on 12 October, with 12 teams in two groups competing for four places in the 2027 second division. VFF says the double round-robin competition runs until 9 November, with each group's top two promoted. Ninh Bình II drew 0-0 with Hà Nội Bulls on opening day, while Bình Định FC, An Giang, Đồng Nai and Đồng Tháp won. The four promotion places have yet to be decided.