Vietnamese striker Nguyen Xuan Son covers his face in disappointment as he leaves the field after suffering an injury against the Philippines, September 26, 2026. Photo: Anh Khoa
Xuan Son was taken to a hospital in Bandung, Indonesia by Vietnam's national team doctor Tran Huy Tho for an MRI scan to determine the extent of his injury on Sunday morning.
The MRI scan confirmed that Xuan Son had suffered a hamstring tear.
He is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, effectively ending his participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
The striker was injured during Vietnam’s 1-0 victory over the Philippines in their Group B opener in Bandung.
In the 59th minute, after winning possession and accelerating from the halfway line, the 29-year-old suddenly pulled up in pain and fell to the ground clutching the back of his thigh.
Dinh Bac continued the attack, carrying the ball into the penalty area, but his effort was foiled by the Philippines goalkeeper.
Xuan Son was subsequently substituted, with Hai Long coming on in his place.
The Brazil-born striker pulled his shirt over his face in disappointment, while head coach Kim Sang Sik also appeared concerned as he watched his player limp off the field.
“I would like to thank all Vietnamese fans for their encouragement. This is truly a sad moment for me because I really wanted to contribute to the country and help bring home another title. It is unfortunate, but that is football,” he wrote on Facebook.
“From now on, I will continue to cheer for and support my teammates as they fight for the best possible result.
“I will do everything I can to return stronger as soon as possible.
“Thank you, Vietnam. Representing the country and fighting for the red flag with a yellow star has always been a tremendous source of pride for me.”
This is the second time Xuan Son has been forced to leave a major tournament while it was still in progress.
At the ASEAN Cup 2024, he suffered fractures to his tibia and fibula during the second leg of the final against hosts Thailand. The tourney, running from December 8, 2024 to January 5, 2025, concluded with a well-earned victory for Vietnam, who achieved seven wins and one draw, defeating Thailand in both legs of the finale to clinch the trophy.
His absence represents a significant loss for Vietnam at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
He and Dinh Bac shared the ASEAN Cup 2026 Golden Boot with five goals each in late August. Vietnam drew 2-2 with Thailand in the second leg of the final of the ASEAN Cup 2026 on August 26, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory to successfully defend their championship.
He was expected to remain one of Vietnam’s main attacking threats at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
Despite the setback, coach Kim expressed confidence in the players remaining in the squad, including Dinh Bac.
“Xuan Son is a key player in our team,” the South Korean coach said at the post-match press conference following the victory over the Philippines.
“However, we still have alternative options. Other players will fill the void he leaves behind. I believe we can do it.”
Vietnam will face Thailand on September 29 in a decisive Group B match for the top spot and a place in the final.
Thailand opened their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Pakistan.
The maiden edition of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is taking place in Hong Kong, China and Indonesia from September 24 to October 5, with the participation of 14 teams, including all 11 ASEAN nations.
The tournament’s Division 1, featuring Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore (Group A), along with Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines (Group B), is organized in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Bandung.
Hong Kong hosts the Division 2 nations, where they are joined by Laos and Brunei in Group A.
Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste contest Group B.
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