Vietnam football team faces injury setback ahead of FIFA ASEAN Cup

The Vietnam national football team faces significant roster challenges ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Defender Nguyễn Văn Vĩ has been ruled out of the tournament due to a serious muscle tear, an injury sustained during a match between Nam Định and HAGL. The injury is expected to require over a month of recovery, depriving head coach Kim Sang-sik of a key left-sided player who previously scored a crucial goal against Indonesia.

The upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled from September 24 to October 3, marks a major shift for regional football as it will be the first edition directly organized and managed by FIFA. Unlike previous iterations, match results will contribute to FIFA world rankings.

Vietnam has been placed in Division 1, Group B, alongside Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Due to the new tournament format, Vietnam is set to face rivals Thailand during the group stage on September 29. The team will also face the Philippines on September 26 and Pakistan on October 2, with the group winner advancing to the final on October 5.