The Vietnamese team will face Timor-Leste at 8:30 PM on July 24th at Chonburi Stadium (Thailand) in the opening match of Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026. As defending champions, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team aim for victory to create an advantage in the race to win a ticket to the semi-finals.
After more than a month of preparation, the Vietnamese team showed readiness for the training trip in Korea and a 4-0 victory over Myanmar in the final friendly match. The coaching staff also had the opportunity to review the force and complete tactical plans before entering the tournament.
The Vietnamese national team lineup continues to gather many experienced faces such as Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Thanh Chung and striker Nguyen Xuan Son. Besides, young players such as Nguyen Dinh Bac, Do Hoang Hen or Truong Tien Anh are also expected to bring breakthroughs in their playing style.
On the opposite side, Timor-Leste qualified for the group stage after overcoming Brunei with a total score of 6-1 in the play-off round. Coach Jose Pedro's team has made much progress in recent times when owning many players playing abroad, helping to significantly improve physical strength and speed.
Timor-Leste's strength lies in their counter-attacking ability with long passes to both wings. Striker Joao Pedro is considered the most dangerous player in attack thanks to his ability to operate independently and create breakthroughs. However, the defense is still this team's weakness when it often leaves space in front of pressure from the opponent.
With the Vietnamese team, the goal is not only to win 3 points but also to aim for a convincing victory to create an advantage in goal difference in the competition for the top spot in Group A with Indonesia and Singapore. If they maintain ball control and continuous pressure, coach Kim Sang-sik's team can completely impose the game from the beginning.
Considering the balance of forces, form and playing experience, the Vietnamese team is considered superior to Timor-Leste and is likely to have a favorable opening match at ASEAN Cup 2026.
Expected lineup
Timor-Leste: Dylan Jose Niski; Juvito Moniz, Joao Varudo, Ryan Jom, Anizo Correia; Palomito Ribeiro, Natalino de Jesus, Claudio Osorio, Tristan Arrarte; Luis Figo, Joao Pedro.
Vietnam: Le Giang Patrik; Pham Xuan Manh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Doan Van Hau; Truong Tien Anh, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Quang Hai; Nguyen Dinh Bac, Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Xuan Son.
