After ASEAN Cup glory, can Vietnam rule again at FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026?

Vietnam defeated Thailand 4-2 on aggregate in the ASEAN Cup final, winning 2-0 in Bangkok before drawing 2-2 in Hanoi.

Despite the title, head coach Kim Sang Sik acknowledged that his team still have weaknesses to address, particularly in defense.

“We still have a lot to improve,” Kim Sang Sik said.

“We will strengthen the defense and focus more on our defensive organization to cope with stronger opponents.”

Plenty to fix

Vietnam conceded only three goals in eight matches at the ASEAN Cup, but their back line looked vulnerable in the second leg against Thailand.

Thailand dominated the first half, forcing Vietnam deep into their defensive third and creating a number of scoring opportunities.

Had the Thai attackers been more clinical, goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik could have conceded at least twice rather than just once.

Vietnam also benefited from another major let-off early in the second half, when Kakana Khamyok missed a penalty.

Had Thailand gone 2-0 up and leveled the aggregate score at 2-2, Kim Sang Sik’s side could have struggled to maintain their composure and might have collapsed under the pressure.

Despite conceding only three goals in eight matches, Vietnam’s defense remains a concern.

Pham Xuan Manh not only committed the foul that led to Thailand’s penalty in the final but was also involved in the only goal Vietnam conceded against Cambodia in the group stage.

The midfield is another area of concern.

Hoang Duc and Le Pham Thanh Long struggled to retain possession under Thailand’s pressure, raising questions over Vietnam’s depth in central and defensive midfield.

Little time to prepare

The return of defenders Do Duy Manh, Bui Tien Dung, and Le Ngoc Bao from injury could strengthen the back line, while France-born defender Adou Minh, who recently obtained Vietnamese citizenship, is another potential option.

Midfield reinforcements may be harder to find.

Doan Ngoc Tan, a key ball-winning midfielder at the ASEAN Cup 2024, is now 32 and has struggled for form after injury, while U23 midfielder Thai Son is recovering from a ligament tear.

Kim also has little time to integrate new players.

Vietnam are scheduled to regroup on September 14 after the second round of the 2026-27 V-League season, leaving them around 12 days before their opening match against the Philippines on September 26.

Some players could join even later because of National Cup qualifying matches scheduled for September 18-20.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup format leaves little room for error, as only the winner of each group advances to the final.

Vietnam will therefore have little margin for error and will likely need to beat Thailand again on September 29 before facing Pakistan in their final group match on October 2.

To win the title, Dinh Bac and his teammates may then have to overcome Indonesia in the final.

With preparation time limited, Vietnam will be hoping Kim Sang Sik can address the team’s weaknesses and improve their overall play sufficiently to challenge for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title.