Vietnam - Thailand: The real battle at the FIFA ASEAN Cup

Just over a month after defeating Thailand to defend their Southeast Asian title, Vietnam faces a completely different challenge as they meet an opponent with a new look at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

Vietnamese players celebrate a goal against the Philippines in the first match of Group B, FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, Indonesia, on the evening of 26/9. Photo: Duc Dong.

*Thailand - Vietnam: 7:30 PM today, 29/9, on VnExpress.

Only a month ago, Vietnam drew 2-2 with Thailand in the second leg of the final, securing a 4-2 aggregate victory to claim the Southeast Asian football championship for two consecutive times. In that tournament, Thailand fielded a squad primarily composed of young players, yet they managed to destabilize Vietnam's defense with their attacking play, scoring two goals at My Dinh Stadium. However, losing three of their four recent encounters with Vietnam has undoubtedly stung the Thai team's pride. They are eager to respond at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a tournament held during FIFA Days, which mandates clubs release their players. With a strong squad and skilled players, coach Anthony Hudson's team is determined to settle old scores.

Thailand's formidable strength was evident in their opening match, where they crushed Pakistan 4-0. The English tactician even strategically rested several key players, including Chanathip Songkrasin, Supachok Sarachat, Supachai Jaided, and Nicholas Mickelson, keeping them on the bench to conserve energy. The transformation of the "War Elephants" with their full-strength lineup clearly sends a direct message, threatening Vietnam's ambition to top Group B.

Conversely, Vietnam's campaign is marked by concerns. A hard-fought one-nil victory over the Philippines revealed that coach Kim Sang-sik's players have not yet reached their peak performance, as they were constantly pressured by their opponents. Difficulties are mounting for Vietnam's offense due to a severe blow: key striker Nguyen Xuan Son suffered a thigh muscle tear, requiring four to six weeks of recovery, and has been forced to withdraw from the tournament early. Without Xuan Son, coach Kim loses not only a top scorer but also a strong target man capable of holding up play and drawing defenders.

Faced with this critical situation, the South Korean tactician will likely switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, placing his full trust in the 1.9-meter-tall striker Williams Minh Hoang in the most advanced position. In this scenario, the creative burden will fall heavily on attacking midfielders such as Dinh Bac or Hoang Hen. It is also possible that Dinh Bac will be deployed as a false nine, tasked with luring defenders to create space for other teammates to surge forward and finish.

Regardless of the formation, Vietnam's biggest reliance at this moment remains Nguyen Hoang Duc. The midfielder born in 1998 was in full fitness during the afternoon training session on 28/9, ready to dominate the midfield alongside Le Pham Thanh Long, forming a direct counterweight to Thailand's key playmaker, Chanathip.

Additionally, coach Kim has impact players who can make a difference from the bench, such as Minh Khoa and especially Nguyen Hai Long, who scored the opening goal against Thailand in the first leg of the Southeast Asian Championship final. Speaking to the media before the match, Hai Long affirmed: "Thailand is much stronger this time with their best squad. We respect them, but the entire team is very excited and determined to deliver a top-tier match for the fans."

Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc in the afternoon training session on 28/9, preparing for the match against Thailand in the second round of Group B, FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, this evening, 29/9. Photo: Duc Dong.

Vietnam and Thailand understand each other well, from personnel to tactical philosophies. The difference in tonight's Southeast Asian derby will lie in the ability to adjust personnel and stifle the opponent's playing space at decisive moments.

Considering the overall situation, the Thai team is under greater pressure to win to settle old scores and gain an advantage before their final group stage match against the Philippines, which is not an easy opponent. Meanwhile, with coach Kim Sang-sik's long-term calculations, a draw could be an acceptable result. Vietnam would then maintain control of their destiny, as their final group stage challenge against Pakistan is considerably easier.

Predicted Lineups:

Vietnam: Patrik Le Giang, Tien Anh, Adou Minh, Viet Anh, Xuan Manh, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Thanh Long, Hoang Duc, Dinh Bac, Hoang Hen, Williams Minh Hoang.

Thailand: Patiwat, Nattapong, Chaiyaphon, Bihr, Jude Bell, Teerasak, Chanathip, Peeradol, Supachai, Supachok, Mickelson.