Vietnam - Philippines: seeking to assert dominance at the FIFA ASEAN Cup

The reigning Southeast Asian champions begin their FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign against the Philippines, a team featuring numerous players currently competing in Europe and the US.

Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac and his teammates trained at Arcamanik Stadium, Bandung, Indonesia on the afternoon of 25/9, preparing for their opening match in Group B of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Photo: Duc Dong

*Vietnam - Philippines: 19:30 on 26/9, on VnExpress.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 introduces new energy with guest teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh, but the spotlight remains on Southeast Asia's football powerhouses. As the tournament aligns with the FIFA Days calendar, the competition quality is expected to be high, with national teams able to call up their best players. On the opening day, Indonesia and Malaysia showcased their superior strength, benefiting from players returning from Europe.

In contrast to other teams, coach Kim Sang-sik holds a significant advantage as most of his core players compete in the domestic league. Despite the absence of familiar names like Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Thanh Chung, and Nguyen Van Vi due to injuries, the team maintains impressive squad depth.

Vacancies in the squad have been promptly filled by a new group of overseas Vietnamese and naturalized players. Alongside the strong foundation provided by naturalized Brazilian stars such as Nguyen Xuan Son, Do Hoang Hen, and Nguyen Tai Loc, the return of defender Cao Pendant Quang Vinh and quality newcomers like Nguyen Adou Leygley Minh and Williams Minh Hoang promise to offer coach Kim diverse tactical solutions.

The cohesion of a squad that plays together consistently in the domestic league is a major concern for Philippines coach Carles Cuadrat. "I know Vietnam is without Quang Hai, but they have many quality alternatives. They play together every week in their domestic league, so when they gather for national duty, they form a very strong, cohesive unit," the Spanish tactician stated at a press conference on 25/9.

Coach Kim Sang-sik and Nguyen Hoang Duc attended a press conference at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, Indonesia on the afternoon of 25/9/2026, ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage. Photo: Duc Dong

Despite previously winning the ASEAN Cup with a formidable defense, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the Vietnam team will transition to a more proactive and assertive playing style in this tournament. The South Korean coach frankly declared that he does not want his players to rest on past glories. "Previous achievements are now history. Coming to the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, I view everything as new, and our goal is to conquer this prestigious title," he emphasized.

During his impressive unbeaten streak with Vietnamese football, coach Kim's team was held to a 1-1 draw by the Philippines in the ASEAN Cup 2024 group stage on the artificial turf of Rizal Memorial. However, in this rematch, on a more elevated stage and as the "regional king", Vietnam's objective must be a convincing victory to build momentum for the crucial match against Thailand on 29/9.

On the other side, the Philippines no longer fields the inexperienced squad that was eliminated early in the previous tournament. With the return to the FIFA Days calendar, coach Carles Cuadrat confidently announced that he possesses his strongest squad in the past six months, thanks to the influx of dual-nationality players currently playing in Europe and the US.

"The Azkals" attacking line-up will pose a significant physical challenge for Vietnam's defense, featuring players like Sebastian Rasmussen (1,92 m), Bjorn Martin Kristensen (1,83 m), and Paul Tabinas (Dinamo Zagreb). The inclusion of young talents from developed football nations, such as 18-year-old defender Isaiah Alakiu (U21 Brighton) and Angelo Bruckner (Germany), promises to bring a fast-paced and modern style of play to the Philippines.

Vietnamese players lifted the championship trophy after drawing 2-2 with Thailand in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi on the evening of 26/8. Photo: Duc Dong

Despite a historically unfavorable head-to-head record against Vietnam, with only two wins and 12 losses, the Philippines will not adopt a defensive approach. "Vietnam is clearly stronger and a championship contender. But we are not afraid. The Philippines has many professional players; we will play an attacking, fair game and are not here for a draw," coach Cuadrat asserted.

Tonight's opening match in Bandung is not only a test for the Vietnam team's ambition to dominate on a grander stage but also a strong affirmation of their status as the reigning Southeast Asian champions.

Expected Line-ups:

Vietnam: Le Giang Patrik, Tien Anh, Adou Minh, Viet Anh, Xuan Manh, Quang Vinh, Thanh Long, Tai Loc, Dinh Bac, Hoang Hen, Xuan Son.

Philippines: Mendoza, Paul Tabinas, Scott Woods, Jefferson Tabinas, Sato, Sandro Reyes, Cole Mrowka, Manny Ott, Andre Leipold, Gayoso, Rasmussen.