CNN Indonesia described this as an "ideal final" given that both Vietnam and Thailand boast strong offenses. The two teams have scored a combined 31 goals in the tournament so far, with Vietnam contributing 17 goals and Thailand 14.

Nguyen Xuan Son celebrates during Vietnam's 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinals, on the evening of 19/8 at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Vietnam has conceded only one goal in six matches. Cambodia was the only team to score against goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik. Vietnam's offense relies heavily on Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Xuan Son, who have each scored 5 goals, accounting for nearly 60% of the team's total.

Thailand also features notable attacking threats. Teerasak Poeiphimai leads the team's scoring chart with 4 goals, while Yotsakorn Burapha has 2 goals. However, Thailand's journey to the final has been less convincing.

Coach Anthony Hudson's team defeated Singapore 3-1 away in the first leg of the semifinals but then lost 1-2 at Rajamangala. Despite advancing with a 4-3 aggregate score, they face questions regarding their defensive capabilities and consistency.

Vietnam, in contrast, secured a 2-0 victory over Malaysia in both semifinal legs, winning 4-0 on aggregate. Their defense remained impenetrable, while Xuan Son made a timely return with a brace in the second leg.

Trang Tribun News highlighted Vietnam's stronger position. The newspaper stated, "Vietnam holds a slight edge to defend the championship due to their consistent form, an unbeaten defense in the semifinals, and an increasingly sharp attack."

Coach Anthony Hudson speaks with striker Yotsakorn Burapha during Thailand's training session in Bangkok on 19/8/2026. *Photo: Changsuek*

The Brazilian-born striker came off the bench in the second leg of the semifinals and scored 2 goals within approximately 30 minutes. This achievement placed Xuan Son alongside Dinh Bac with 5 goals, making them co-leaders in the ASEAN Cup 2026 top scorer list.

The newspaper emphasized Vietnam's advantage in applying pressure. In the second leg of the semifinal against Malaysia, Vietnam had 26 shots despite less possession (48% compared to 52%). This indicates the team possesses multiple strategies for pressing and creating opportunities.

Meanwhile, Thailand enters the final with a more apparent defensive issue. Coach Anthony Hudson admitted that the team experienced a decline in fitness and defensive coordination during their loss to Singapore. He believes there is much to address before facing Vietnam.

Thailand will play the first leg of the final at home in Bangkok. However, recent history suggests Rajamangala is not a venue that intimidates Vietnam. In the ASEAN Cup 2024 final, Vietnam defeated Thailand 3-2 in Bangkok, securing the championship with a 5-3 aggregate score. Prior to that, Thailand had beaten Vietnam 1-0 at home in the second leg of the 2022 final to claim the title.

Bola stated that the Vietnamese and Thai national teams continue to assert their dominant position in Southeast Asian football. Both teams have reached the final in three of the last four ASEAN Cups and feature squads combining local and naturalized players.

The Indonesian newspaper also views the achievements of Vietnam and Thailand as a warning for the Indonesian national team. John Herdman's squad was eliminated from the group stage of the ASEAN Cup 2026, finishing third in Group A with 7 points. In contrast, Vietnam topped their group with 10 points and advanced further.

Vietnam aims for their fourth title in history, having won championships in 2008, 2018, and 2024. The Thai national team currently leads in total titles with 7 championships.

Suara even used the phrase "lacking class" when comparing Indonesia to the two finalists. According to Indonesian media, Vietnam and Thailand are operating at a different level in the region, consistently competing for the championship while Indonesia has been eliminated from the group stage for the second consecutive time.

Nevertheless, analyses from Indonesia do not suggest Vietnam is entirely superior. CNN Indonesia still assesses both teams as relatively balanced in strength and possessing potent offenses. Thailand also benefits from an extra rest day compared to Vietnam and avoids extensive travel.

The most significant difference ahead of the final lies in their semifinal performances. Vietnam won both matches against Malaysia with identical 2-0 scores, whereas Thailand conceded 3 goals to Singapore over two legs and advanced by only one goal.

The first leg will take place at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, on 22/8, before the second leg is played at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi, on 26/8.

By Hoang An