Vietnam may host both Asian Cup qualifiers against Nepal as protests persist in Kathmandu

Vietnam are scheduled to play Nepal in Ho Chi Minh City on October 9 and were initially due to travel to Kathmandu for the return fixture on October 14. 

However, growing security concerns and poor stadium conditions in Nepal may force a venue change.

“The AFC recently asked whether Vietnam would be willing to host the return leg, because of concerns over the current unrest in Nepal,” a VFF official said. 

“We’re in bilateral discussions over the terms and expect to finalize soon.

“This arrangement would benefit Vietnam by reducing travel time and costs and allowing the team to play both matches in front of home fans.”

If approved, the second match will likely be held at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, the official said.

The Vietnamese are scheduled to begin training on October 4 in Thu Dau Mot Ward, part of old Binh Duong Province, to prepare for both fixtures. Binh Duong has been amalgamated into Ho Chi Minh City since July 1.

Go Dau Stadium in Thu Dau Mot will also host the October 9 fixture.

The current stage is the third and final round of Asian Cup qualification for teams that did not advance directly through the earlier rounds. 

Twenty-four teams are divided into six groups of four, with only the group winners advancing to the 2027 finals in Saudi Arabia.

After two matches, Vietnam sit second in Group F with three points, following a 5-0 win over Laos and a 0-4 loss to Malaysia. 

Malaysia top the group with six points from two wins, while Laos also have three points with disadvantaged preferences. 

Nepal remain bottom without a point, having lost 0-2 to Malaysia and 1-2 to Laos.

Two wins against Nepal would significantly improve Vietnam's chances of catching Malaysia in the race for qualification.

Nepal are the only team in Group F scheduled to play three consecutive away matches.

Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal's designated home ground, has been flagged by the AFC for failing to meet competition standards — including drainage, lighting, and crowd safety — according to local media. 

The stadium is also located in the capital, where protests have intensified in recent days.

Demonstrations erupted in Kathmandu last week after Nepal’s government blocked access to several social media platforms, citing companies’ failure to register under new regulations aimed at curbing misuse, according to Reuters. 

The protests reflect broader frustration over government corruption and economic challenges, as well as opposition to the social media ban, particularly among young people.

The AFC has not issued any public statement on the matter. 

Neither the confederation nor the VFF has officially confirmed a venue change.