Vietnam defeats Myanmar 4‑0 in pre‑ASEAN Cup friendly

On 18 July 2026, the Vietnam national football team beat Myanmar 4‑0 in a friendly at Thái Nguyên stadium, drawing thousands of fans. Coach Kim Sang‑sik praised the performance of naturalised Brazilians Nguyễn Xuân Son, Đỗ Hoàng Hên and Nguyễn Tài Lộc, who each contributed to the tally, alongside striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc who scored from the penalty spot. The win earned Vietnam 1.52 FIFA ranking points, raising its total to 1 227.20 and keeping it at 99th globally.

Kim Sang‑sik said the match was a “perfect running‑up” for the upcoming ASEAN Cup 2026 and highlighted the benefit of the three naturalised players, noting they “make the team much better”. He also confirmed injuries to Khuất Văn Khang, Đỗ Duy Mạnh and Lê Ngọc Bảo, and the inclusion of replacement defender Khổng Minh Gia Bảo.

Myanmar coach Jorn Andersen, after the 0‑4 loss, admitted the gap between the sides and expressed a wish to have naturalised players similar to Vietnam’s, saying “we would like to have players like Xuân Son, Hoàng Hên and Tài Lộc”. The match served as a final rehearsal before Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup campaign, with the team aiming to defend its regional title.