Vietnam vs Timor Leste: The Start of the Dream for a Fourth Title

Vietnam, the reigning champions, will kick off their journey to retain the throne at the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup on Friday, July 24, as Kim Sang Sik's men take on qualifying-round winners Timor Leste at Chonburi Stadium in Group A of the ASEAN Championship's 30th edition.

Captain Nguyen Quang Hai and his teammates aim to send a strong message to their rivals by securing all three points in their opening match, as Vietnam is determined to become the first team to successfully defend the championship title.

Vietnam won their third title since 2008 when they were crowned two years ago. However, in both previous instances when they entered the tournament as defending champions, they failed to retain the crown.

Naturalized Brazilian striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who scored seven goals in the last edition, has fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered in the 2024 final victory over Thailand. His scoring ability will once again be crucial to Vietnam's quest for a fourth regional title.

Vietnam's opponent is Timor Leste, who secured a spot in the group stage after defeating Brunei 6-1 on aggregate in the qualifiers. In that campaign, striker Zenivio Gostavo, who plays in Singapore, was one of the standout performers.

The 21-year-old winger from Tanjong Pagar FC scored a penalty in the first leg against Brunei. Alongside Oatnasio da Silva, who came off the bench and scored a brace, Zenivio is expected to pose a significant threat to Vietnam's defense, which conceded only two goals in the group stage of the 2024 ASEAN Championship.

Meanwhile, Cambodia will begin their quest to reach the knockout stage for the first time when they host four-time champions Singapore at home in Phnom Penh.

Coach Koji Gyotoku's team, featuring striker Sa Ty from Phnom Penh Crown, narrowly missed the semifinals of the 2024 ASEAN Championship. The Japanese tactician hopes his players will have a favorable start against a resurgent Singapore side.

For Singapore, much will depend on the experience of captain Hariss Harun, the last remaining member of the squad that won the Lion City's most recent ASEAN Championship title in 2012.

At 35, the Lion City Sailors FC midfielder is still regarded as one of the most experienced and highest-quality players in the region. He aims to continue the momentum of the Singapore national team, which has improved over the past 12 months, earning qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Indonesia, six-time runners-up, are the remaining team in Group A. Coach John Herdman's squad will begin their title quest on July 27 when they host Cambodia at home.

The ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will take place from July 24 to August 26 and is considered the most prestigious tournament in Southeast Asian football.