Hanoi police and their ambition to break boundaries in the AFC Champions League Elite

Winning the V-League 2025/26 championship is not simply about restoring Hanoi Police Football Club to its position as the number one team in Vietnamese football. For the police force's team, this prestigious domestic title seems to be just the starting point for a much greater ambition: to assert its position on the map of top-level Asian football.

The rigorous test at the AFC Champions League Elite

The ticket to the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) has officially opened a new chapter, where the Vietnamese champions must prove their competitiveness and true character against the continent's leading football powerhouses. ACLE is more than just a tournament; it's a rigorous benchmark, bringing together champions from Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

These teams not only possess a roster of expensive superstars but also rely on a solid foundation of management and training built over decades. Hanoi Police understands that entering this environment will help them clearly identify their limitations and determine their long-term development path. The first challenge has emerged as the draw pitted the team against Adelaide United in the ACLE 2026/27 play-off round.

Although not as glamorous as the West Asian giants, the Australian representative possesses a highly physical and disciplined playing style. As runners-up in last season's A-League, Adelaide United will be a tough test for the ambitions of coach Mano Polking and his team.

The problem of squad depth and transfer ambitions.

Currently, Hanoi Police's squad boasts many national team players who have honed their skills through major tournaments such as the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers. However, the gap between a strong domestic team and a continental powerhouse lies in squad depth and consistency throughout the season.

The positive moves in the transfer market, most notably the attempt to recruit New Zealand international Alex Rufer, show that the club's leadership does not view this as a casual endeavor. Upgrading the squad to increase its international competitiveness is a crucial step in preparing for the team's need to compete on multiple fronts.

Facing a packed schedule

Besides competing in Asian tournaments, Hanoi Police also faces a packed schedule in the 2026/27 Southeast Asian Club Championship. Being drawn into the same group as formidable opponents like Port FC (Thailand) and Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia) forces the team to carefully consider its personnel.

Only by daring to step out of the V-League's comfort zone and face the "big waves" at ACLE can Hanoi Police truly assert its stature. Success may not come immediately, but thorough preparation and a proactive spirit are the springboard for the Vietnamese champions to confidently conquer new heights in the future.