Vietnam's two matches against Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Group F, are scheduled for October during the FIFA Days. The first leg is set for Go Dau Stadium (formerly Binh Duong) on 10/9, and the second leg was initially planned for Nepal on 14/10.

However, due to ongoing political instability, Nepal has requested to borrow a stadium in Vietnam for the second leg. Sources told VnExpress on the evening of 10/9 that Nepal has contacted the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and expressed their preference for Thong Nhat Stadium (TP HCM) as their "home" venue against Vietnam.

This decision would significantly reduce Vietnam's travel costs. It would also allow coach Kim Sang-sik and his players to avoid potential disadvantages related to physical exertion and weather in Kathmandu, which has an average elevation of over 1,300 meters above sea level.

Thong Nhat Stadium, TP HCM in 10/2024. Photo: Duc Dong

Thong Nhat Stadium, TP HCM in 10/2024. Photo: Duc Dong

Thong Nhat Stadium's Stand B is currently closed due to deterioration, limiting its capacity. However, the playing field and other facilities are considered to meet the standards for hosting V-League matches and continental tournaments. The Vietnamese national team last played at Thong Nhat three years ago, in September 2022, under coach Park Hang-seo during the Hung Thinh friendly tournament.

If the VFF accepts Nepal's proposal, Kim will make his first appearance before TP HCM fans since becoming Vietnam's head coach in 2024.

Thong Nhat is Vietnam's oldest stadium, built in 1929 and inaugurated in 1931. It was renamed Thong Nhat on 2/9/1975. The stadium has a capacity of nearly 20,000. The main gate of Stand A is located on Nguyen Kim Street, Stand C on Dao Duy Tu Street, and Stand D on Tan Phuoc Street, District 10.

The final round of Asian Cup qualifiers features 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The teams play each other twice, with matches running from 25/3/2025 to 31/3/2026. Vietnam is in Group F with Malaysia, Laos, and Nepal. Only the six group winners will advance to the final tournament.

After the first two rounds, Malaysia leads the group with six points. Vietnam is second with three points after a 5-0 win against Laos and a 0-4 loss to Malaysia. Laos is third (3 points), while Nepal is last with two losses.

The final tournament will begin in Saudi Arabia on 7/1/2027, with 24 teams. 18 spots have already been determined, all of which are teams that reached the third round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.

Duc Dong