Vietnam-Thailand clash a test for coach Kim Sang Sik’s adaptability at FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

The match, scheduled for 7:30 pm local time in Bandung, is important for both teams as the winners will gain an advantage in the race for the group's top spot and a place in the final.

Thailand opened their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Pakistan last Saturday despite not using their strongest line-up, while Vietnam struggled to a 1-0 win over the Philippines the same day, with Nguyen Dinh Bac scoring the decisive goal.

The match is also a rematch of the two teams' ASEAN Cup 2026 final more than a month ago, when Vietnam retained the title with a 4-2 aggregate victory over two legs.

Vietnam drew 2-2 with Thailand in the second leg in Hanoi, a match in which Thailand scored all four goals and missed a penalty early in the second half.

Thailand have since strengthened their squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which is being held during a FIFA international window.

Coach Anthony Hudson retained only nine players from the two ASEAN Cup final matches and called up 14 new players.

Among the additions are midfielders Chanathip Songkrasin and Supachok Sarachat, as well as forwards Supachai Chaided and Jude Soonsup-Bell.

The changes have given Thailand greater attacking options and reflected their intention to play for a win against Vietnam.

Vietnam, meanwhile, have lost several key players.

Defenders Nguyen Thanh Chung, Doan Van Hau and midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai are unavailable, while naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son left the tournament after suffering a thigh muscle injury in the opening match against the Philippines.

Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc has only recently returned to training after an injury, leaving his availability for the Thailand match uncertain.

Without Hoang Duc, Vietnam's midfield struggled in the opening game. Do Hoang Hen and Vo Hoang Minh Khoa each played alongside Le Pham Thanh Long but they had difficulty competing with the Philippines' central midfielders.

That makes the midfield battle particularly important against Thailand, who have greater depth in the position.

Chanathip is expected to be a key player for Thailand. The 33-year-old midfielder is known for his ability to operate in tight spaces and provide decisive passes for the forwards.

Vietnam went unbeaten against Thailand in their four ASEAN Cup 2024 and 2026 final matches, winning three and drawing one. Chanathip did not play in any of those games.

If Hoang Duc is fit enough to play, Vietnam's midfield could be better equipped to deal with Thailand. But how much of his fitness he has regained and whether he can maintain a high intensity remain questions for Kim to answer.

"Thai players all have individual technical ability among the best in Southeast Asia. Their midfield is very creative, so they can cause some difficulties for Vietnam's defense. However, if we prepare well, we can stop them," Kim said.

The South Korean coach acknowledged before the tournament that the FIFA ASEAN Cup is different from the ASEAN Cup.

Against Thailand, he will now have to find the right solution with a Vietnamese squad weakened by injuries and absences.

The inaugural 14-team FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 runs from September 24 to October 5 in Indonesia and Hong Kong.

Division 1, held in Jakarta and Bandung, comprises Group A – Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore – and Group B – Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Division 2, hosted in Hong Kong, features Group A – Hong Kong, Laos, and Brunei – and Group B – Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.