Thailand has the home advantage of Rajamangala in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final. However, Vietnam entered this confrontation with confidence after overcoming Malaysia in the semi-finals.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's team is maintaining stable form. The Vietnamese team has a solid defense, and also possesses diverse attacking options, especially in transition situations.
Meanwhile, Thailand also showed strength when they overcame Singapore in the semi-finals. The Golden Temple team is likely to take advantage of their home field to proactively control the ball and put pressure from the beginning.
This poses a big challenge for the Vietnamese midfield. Hoang Duc and Thanh Long need to maintain their ability to hold the ball, compete and limit dangerous ball loss situations.
If Thailand pushes up the squad, the Vietnamese team can exploit the space behind the home team's defense. The speed of Dinh Bac, Hoang Hen and Xuan Son's mobility are noteworthy options.
Xuan Son continues to be a highly anticipated name. This striker once scored a double against Thailand in the ASEAN Cup 2024 final. However, the Vietnamese team cannot depend on an individual when the opponent will definitely find a way to block this striker.
Pressure from the audience at Rajamangala is also a factor that the Vietnamese team needs to consider. If they stand firm in the early stages of the match, the away team can bring the match back to balance and wait for counter-attack opportunities.
The Vietnamese team does not necessarily have to attack at all costs. A solid game, good control of the midfield area and limiting mistakes will be the priority of coach Kim Sang-sik's team.
With home advantage, Thailand is rated slightly higher in match control ability. However, the Vietnamese team has enough basis to aim for a positive result before returning to My Dinh to play the second leg.
The final first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 between Thailand and Vietnam takes place at 8:00 p.m. on August 22 at Rajamangala Stadium.
Expected lineup
Thailand team: Kampon Phatomakkakul; Waris Choolthong, Tom Bihr, Nattapong Sayriya, Seksan Ratree; Sarach Yooyen, Kakana Khamyok; Yotsakon Burapha, Teerasak Poeiphimai, Chaiyaphon Otton; Oussama ThiangKham.
Vietnam team: Le Giang Patrik; Xuan Manh, Thanh Chung, Van Hau, Van Vi; Hoang Duc, Jackie Chan; Tien Anh, Dinh Bac, Hoang Hen; Xuan Son.
