CAND FC Launch: Promotion Ambition and Squad Integration Challenge

On the morning of September 3, 2026, in Hanoi, the People's Public Security Football Club (CAND FC) held its official launch ceremony for the 2026/27 season. The event was attended by the Minister of Public Security, signaling the political importance of the team. With the declared goal of winning the National First Division championship, CAND FC aims to return to the LPBank V-League immediately after relegation. The club has recruited six notable players: midfielder Minh Vuong, defender Dinh Trieu, striker Viktor Le (a Vietnamese-heritage player), midfielder Do Phi Long, striker Thanh Nhan, and defender Minh Phuc. These are quality signings, showing heavy investment compared to other First Division opponents. However, the eight-day gap between the launch ceremony (September 3) and the opening match against Long An (September 11) poses a significant squad integration challenge for head coach Nguyen Duc Thang. Coach Nguyen Duc Thang, an experienced strategist, stated that physical fitness and team building are the top priorities. He emphasized that training trips and friendly matches will be crucial benchmarks for evaluating the new signings' integration. Without official match data, training sessions and friendlies are the only basis for assessing progress. Financially, CAND FC is backed by the Ministry of Public Security. The state-funded model gives the club a budget far exceeding its First Division rivals. However, this also creates immense pressure: failure to win promotion could lead to a financial crisis, as the high wage bill would be unsustainable in the First Division. The Minister's presence at the ceremony shows that the team's performance is tied to the image of the police force. Tactically, no specific formation or playing style has been disclosed. The recruitment of experienced players suggests a pragmatic, results-oriented approach rather than possession-based football. The signing of Viktor Le, a Vietnamese-heritage player, highlights a strategic use of overseas Vietnamese resources. The First Division this season offers two promotion slots to the V-League. With a superior squad, CAND FC is considered the top favorite for one of those slots. However, the declared goal of winning the championship may create unnecessary pressure. Even a second-place finish could be seen as underachievement given the investment. The opening match against Long An at home is a good opportunity for a strong start. Long An is a traditional club but not a direct promotion rival. A victory would build positive momentum for the rest of the season. In summary, CAND FC enters the 2026/27 season with huge ambition, strong investment, and high political pressure. The short-term squad integration challenge is the first test. If overcome, the club can realize its dream of returning to the V-League.