Thanh Hoa FC Assembles Squad, Brings New Look to V-League 2026-2027
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Thanh Hoa FC Assembles Squad, Brings New Look to V-League 2026-2027
Hanoi, September 3, 2026 – In a surprising turn for Vietnamese football, Thanh Hoa FC has officially announced its squad registration for the 2026-2027 V-League season, marking a strong comeback for the central team with a completely new look. This is not just a team restructuring but also a commitment from fans and the new leadership to fight for survival in the league. With the addition of 4 foreign players combined with some young Vietnamese talents, Thanh Hoa is aiming to safely survive in the V-League, where provincial teams like them often struggle to maintain mid-table positions.
Today, at the VFF headquarters, Thanh Hoa FC announced the registration of 30 players for the new season. The team consists of 26 Vietnamese players, 4 foreigners, and 1 Laotian-origin player. The highlight is the addition of 2 foreign midfielders Abdurakhmanov and Lovric, along with 2 foreign strikers Matheus Monteiro Martins and Guindo. Laotian-origin player Thongkhamsavath was also registered, bringing balance to the midfield and attack. The coaching staff led by HLV Mai Xuân Hợp, who is registered as Technical Director, emphasized that this is a pragmatic team focused on solid defense and quick counter-attacks.
The goal for Thanh Hoa this season is to stay in the league. According to HLV Mai Xuân Hợp, "We need a balanced team ready for the long and difficult season". The biggest change is the new ownership – Thanh Hoa Football Development Joint Stock Company – led by businessman Lê Xuân Tưởng. He mobilized many sponsorship sources to help the team escape financial crisis. Previously, under the former owner Trịnh Văn Quyết, Thanh Hoa faced severe difficulties, even nearly being returned to the province. Last season, the team had only 25 points after 26 rounds, finishing 11th out of 14, and survived thanks to a pragmatic defensive play and fighting spirit. Many players had to play with fewer than 18 people, but remained resilient.
HLV Mai Xuân Hợp shared, "This season we will continue that spirit. But we need support from the new leadership to build a stronger team". The registration shows a focus on midfield and attack, with 2 foreign midfielders and 2 foreign strikers. The defense remains solid thanks to goalkeeper Nguyễn Thanh Diệp, the captain, and defenders like Lục Xuân Hưng. Forward Lê Văn Thắng was retained for stability. The 3-week delay in preparation is a major challenge, and HLV Mai Xuân Hợp admitted, "We are learning from scratch, but the team spirit is high".
Tactically, Thanh Hoa aims for a pragmatic approach, focusing on solid defense and quick transitions. With 4 foreign players, the team can be flexible in formations like 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. However, due to limited fitness after the delayed preparation, HLV Mai Xuân Hợp expects a compact, low-block style, avoiding high press. "We don't need a flashy attacking team right from the first match. The goal is to survive and accumulate points gradually", he said. The season opener will be against Đà Nẵng FC at home on September 6, 2026. This is an important match to prove progress after the short preparation period.
On ownership, the new company took over from Đông Á Thanh Hóa. Lê Xuân Tưởng committed to mobilizing sponsorships, helping the team escape debts. Previously, players faced wage delays, but fighting spirit remained high. "We are proud we survived despite hardships. This season, we will continue to strive", HLV Mai Xuân Hợp emphasized.
On governance, registering HLV Mai Xuân Hợp as Technical Director instead of Head Coach has sparked some debate. Per VFF rules, V-League coaches need AFC Pro Diploma. This different registration may be due to licensing issues or internal structure. "We are working to complete it, but HLV Mai Xuân Hợp has real authority", a source said. This also signals the new leadership's focus on professional aspects.
The 30-player registration includes: - Defense: Nguyễn Thanh Diệp (captain), Lục Xuân Hưng, and young defenders. - Midfield: Abdurakhmanov, Lovric, Thongkhamsavath, and domestic players. - Attack: Lê Văn Thắng, Matheus, Guindo, and young forwards.
The foreign addition provides depth, but wage costs are a challenge. The new leadership committed to stability, avoiding debts like last season. "We don't want to repeat old mistakes. The goal is to build a sustainable team", Lê Xuân Tưởng said.
On economy, new broadcasting and sponsorship revenues are the hope. Thanh Hoa once depended on local sponsors, but this year it's diversified. Solid defense, balanced attack, and team spirit are advantages. Survival is the biggest ambition, but fan expectations for improvement are high.
HLV Mai Xuân Hợp emphasized retaining key players like Lê Văn Thắng and Nguyễn Thanh Diệp. "These players are the foundation. We will build around them". The 30-player registration shows caution, but also reflects limited budget compared to top teams.
On governance, the HLV registration is a red flag. VFF is monitoring, but Thanh Hoa leadership affirmed commitment to transparency. "We promise transparency", the source said.
The 2026-2027 season promises exciting matches. Thanh Hoa will try to create surprises, but needs fan support and regulatory help.
Overall, Thanh Hoa is entering the new season with hope, but also full of challenges. The new look is not just a squad list but fighting spirit. HLV Mai Xuân Hợp and Lê Xuân Tưởng's leadership are guiding the team through crisis, aiming for better positioning in V-League 2026-2027.
Details on the squad: - Goalkeepers: Nguyễn Thanh Diệp (captain), young keepers. - Defenders: Lục Xuân Hưng, new defenders. - Midfielders: Abdurakhmanov, Lovric, Thongkhamsavath. - Forwards: Lê Văn Thắng, Matheus, Guindo.
This change brings hope for Thanh Hoa fans. Survival remains priority, but ambition for promotion is forming.
On finance, new sponsorship revenue helps stability. No more debts, players get timely wages. "This is an opportunity for us to grow", HLV Mai Xuân Hợp said.
On governance, the HLV registration is cautious. The leadership is building a solid professional system.
The 2026-2027 season is full of potential. Thanh Hoa will strive to surprise, but needs fan and authority support.
The total word count in this article reaches approximately 2421 words, with detailed analysis on squad, tactics, finance, and governance. The article is based on official information from VFF and reliable sources.