Quang Hải: 'Vietnam National Team Ready to Defend ASEAN Cup Title'

Team captain Nguyen Quang Hải confirmed that the Vietnamese squad is ready for the campaign to retain their crown before their Group A opener in the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup against Timor Leste, scheduled for 8:30 PM on July 24 in Thailand.

The Southeast Asian championship enters its 30th edition, with the "Golden Star Warriors" aiming to successfully defend the title for the first time, after claiming their third historic crown under the guidance of coach Kim Sang Sik in 2024.

"The atmosphere in the team over the past few weeks has been very positive. We have prepared thoroughly in every aspect, from physical fitness and tactics to professional readiness.

I believe the whole team is ready for the tournament. The focus, determination, and quality in each training session reflect the unity and the efforts we have put in before stepping into the competition," Quang Hải said in an interview with AFF's official media channel.

Vietnam is placed in Group A alongside Timor Leste, Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The matches in Group A will take place from July 24 to August 7.

In the other match on opening day, Singapore will face Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Coach Gavin Lee hopes to continue the resurgence of the Lion City's football after qualifying for the Asian Cup finals for the first time since 1984.

"We cannot think too far ahead. The most important thing is to focus on each match. The first game is always the most crucial. After that match ends, the next one becomes the most important. That will be our mindset and approach throughout the tournament, as well as how the whole team prepares."

Meanwhile, Group B will kick off with a clash between the most decorated champions in the tournament's history, Thailand (7 titles), and hosts Laos in Vientiane. Malaysia, the 2010 champions, will be away to Myanmar, coached by Jørn Andersen, on July 25.

Philippines, a team that has reached the semifinals five times but never made it to the final, will begin their campaign on July 28 with a match against Myanmar.

Malaysian coach Tan Cheng Hoe commented: "If you look at Group B, Thailand is the top candidate. The remaining teams all have equal chances to secure a spot in the next round. We have only a short preparation time, so I don't want to add extra pressure on the players.

Of course, we want to go far in the tournament and will focus on each match one by one. Hopefully, the players will bond and coordinate well, because team harmony is very important.

In any tournament, the opening match is always the toughest. Therefore, the clash with Myanmar holds special significance."

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, which will be played on a home-and-away basis, with the first legs on August 15 and 16, and the return legs on August 18 and 19. The two-legged final of the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup will be held on August 23 and 26.