HCM City Police, with Morteza Sharifi (centre), are considered one of the title contenders. — Photo courtesy of HCM City Police

Volleyball

HCM CITY — Thirteen foreign players have registered to take part in the second stage and finals of the 2026 National Men's Volleyball Championship, three more than in the first stage, as eight teams prepare to compete at Phú Thọ Gymnasium in HCM City from October 28 to December 11.

Five clubs have registered two foreign players each, while Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and Sanest Khánh Hòa have one apiece. The players hail from several countries, with HCM City Police's Morteza Sharifi from Iran among the most notable names.

Sharifi is expected to be a tournament standout. The 27-year-old outside hitter helped Iran win gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Standing 1.93m tall, he has an approach jump of up to 3.73m and is known for his powerful attacks. He also scored 115 points for Iran in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, making him a key addition to the Police.

American opposite hitter Anthony Cherfan of Thể Công Tân Cảng is another player to watch. The 24-year-old stands two metres tall and has experience playing in the US, France and Argentina.

HCM City Police are among the leading contenders after finishing second behind the Border Guard in the first stage. Coached by Nguyễn Văn Hạnh, they will look to challenge for the title with Sharifi and Farhan Halim reinforcing a strong domestic line-up that includes Phạm Quốc Dư, Nguyễn Văn Quốc Duy and Quản Trọng Nghĩa.

Defending champions Border Guard remain their main rivals. Although their foreign players have attracted less attention, the team boast a settled Vietnamese core whose members have played together for years. Nguyễn Ngọc Thuân, Đinh Văn Duy and Phạm Văn Hiệp are among the players expected to lead the title defence.

Thể Công Tân Cảng, Hà Nội and Ninh Bình are also in contention for semi-final places. HCM City, Đà Nẵng and Sanest Khánh Hòa, who struggled in the first stage, may face a battle to avoid relegation.

In the second stage, the eight teams will play in a single round-robin format, with first-stage results counting towards the overall standings. The top four will advance to the semi-finals, where the first-placed team will face the fourth-placed side, while second will meet third. A higher finish will be important for title contenders hoping to avoid meeting a major rival before the final.

Admission to Phú Thọ Gymnasium will be free, and all matches will be broadcast live on VTVcab's On Sports channel. — VNS