The draw ceremony for the 2026 U21 National Championship finals was held at the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) headquarters in Ha Noi on 6/7. The 12 qualifying teams were divided into three groups: Group A includes: hosts PVF-CAND, Ha Noi, An Giang, and TP HCM. Group B features: HAGL, Tay Ninh, SLNA, and The Cong. Group C comprises: Dong Nai, PVF, Da Nang, and Cong an Ha Noi.

Previously, the qualification rounds took place from 25/6 to 5/7. Seventeen teams were organized into 4 groups, playing a single round-robin format. From these qualifiers, the first, second, and third-placed teams from each group advanced, totaling 12 teams for the final tournament.

PVF crowned U21 National Championship 2025 champions after defeating The Cong 1-0 in the final at Ba Ria stadium, TP HCM on 31/7/2025. Photo: VFF

All matches in the final round will be held at the PVF Youth Football Training Center in Nghia Tru, Hung Yen. Teams will compete in a single round-robin format, earning points. The three group winners, three group runners-up, and two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals.

This year marks the 30th edition of the U21 National Championship, which first began in 1997. Ha Noi currently holds the record with 6 championships, winning in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022. Other notable champions include: SLNA (5), The Cong (4), Da Nang (3), HAGL, Nam Dinh (2), Khanh Hoa, PVF, PVF-CAND, Binh Dinh, Dong Nai, Nutifood Academy, and Tien Giang (1).

The tournament is supported by main sponsor FPT Play, a leading Internet television and entertainment platform in Vietnam. FPT Play holds broadcast rights for major football tournaments such as: V-League, English Premier League, ASEAN Cup, and continental club competitions like AFC Champions League Elite and Two.

Beyond financial contributions, the sponsor ensures that the U21 National Championship will be broadcast live across various platforms. These include: terrestrial, cable, satellite, IPTV, Internet, mobile, public display, and social media channels.

Hieu Luong