A 'classic showdown' emerges in the opening match of the 2026 National Cup women's football.

In the opening match of the 2026 National Cup women's football, Ho Chi Minh City Club I will face Hanoi Club I.

On April 20, Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) officially announced the schedule for the 2026 National Cup women's football. The opening match on May 13 promises to be explosive, featuring a clash dubbed the "classic showdown" between Ho Chi Minh City women's club and their arch-rival Hanoi I.

This year's tournament features six teams, divided into two groups playing a single round-robin. The third-placed teams from each group will compete for the 5th place, while the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals. Here, the matches will be cross-group (group A winner vs. group B runner-up and vice versa), with the winners advancing to the final and the losers competing for third place.

According to the draw results, Group A includes strong contenders such as Ho Chi Minh City, Than Khoang San Vietnam, and Hanoi I, creating a fiercely competitive environment right from the group stage. Meanwhile, Group B consists of Thai Nguyen T&T, Hanoi II, and Phong Phu Ha Nam.

Notably, Thai Nguyen T&T has a relatively favorable schedule with a break in the second match. This team will start against Hanoi II on May 13, rest on May 16, and then face Phong Phu Ha Nam on May 19. With such a schedule, Thai Nguyen T&T gains additional preparation and recovery time, providing a certain advantage in the race for a semifinal spot.

All matches of the tournament will take place at Thai Nguyen Stadium.