Vietnamese players Hai Long and Xuan Manh from Hanoi FC celebrate Vietnam’s 2026 ASEAN Cup title. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre
Speaking at Hanoi FC’s season launch ceremony, Kewell was asked whether V-League 1 clubs were obliged to release players for national-team duty during the September FIFA Days period and whether the club would be willing to send their best players to Vietnam’s squad.
“We don’t really have any other choice,” Kewell said.
“The pressure on the Vietnamese national team to win after every title is huge.
“And when there is pressure, nothing is easy. Vietnam should be confident heading into the September camp.”
The team will face opponents of varying quality, but the winning momentum they have built recently will give them confidence, he said.
He expects Vietnam to achieve success not only at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup but also at the 2027 Asian Cup finals early next year.
Hanoi FC contributed four players to Vietnam’s squad for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, including defenders Nguyen Thanh Chung and Pham Xuan Manh, midfielder Nguyen Hai Long, and striker Do Hoang Hen.
After the 2026 ASEAN Cup ended on Wednesday, Vietnam’s players returned to their clubs to quickly turn their attention to the 2026-27 season.
Kewell is particularly eager to welcome Hai Long and Hoang Hen back to Hanoi FC, as their absence has created certain difficulties for the club during their preparations for the new campaign.
Hanoi FC will face Ho Chi Minh City Police FC away from home in the opening round of the 2026-27 V-League 1 on September 5.
After the second round concludes on September 13, the V-League 1 will take a break to make way for Vietnam’s national-team commitments at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, which will be staged in Indonesia.
Vietnam have been drawn in Group B alongside Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
Coach head Kim Sang Sik’s side will play their opening match against the Philippines on September 26.
The V-League 1, however, will continue during the national team’s tournament campaign, with league matches scheduled from September 20 until the next break in November.
Fresh from winning the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Vietnam are turning their attention to the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, where stronger opposition and limited preparation time are expected to pose a tougher test.
Vietnam defeated Thailand 4-2 on aggregate in the ASEAN Cup final, winning 2-0 in Bangkok before drawing 2-2 in Hanoi.
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