Vietnam can compete with a star who scored 10 goals and made 11 assists in the Bundesliga.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 opens up the possibility for Vietnam to face players who have shone in Europe, including an experienced Bundesliga star.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has been officially approved, marking the first time Southeast Asia has a regional tournament within FIFA's system. Scheduled from September 21 to October 6, 2026, during the extended FIFA Days, the tournament allows teams to field their strongest squads, promising a competition of superior quality.

Playing during FIFA Days not only helps matches earn higher FIFA ranking points but also enables Southeast Asian teams to deploy their optimal lineups, especially players active in Europe. This means Vietnam, while having the chance to improve its ranking, will face a more fiercely competitive environment in this new tournament.

Teams like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines are predicted to become major challenges. Indonesia can call up high-quality naturalized players such as Mees Hilgers, Kevin Dijks, Jay Idzes, Ivan Jenner, and Ole Romeny. These are names who have played or are playing in Europe, bringing significant differences in class and international experience.

Malaysia, despite facing naturalization controversies, still has notable figures like Dion Cools and Richard Chin. Meanwhile, the Philippines boasts a squad developed in top football environments, with players like Paul Tabinas, Gerrit Holtmann, and Sebastian Rasmussen.

Among them, Holtmann, currently playing for VfL Bochum, is particularly noteworthy. Although now in Bundesliga 2, he previously had a standout period in the Bundesliga with 11 goals and 10 assists, and also represented Germany's U20 team, affirming his class and elevating the Philippines' squad quality.

In contrast to its rivals, Vietnam currently has few players abroad, relying mainly on domestic talent. This puts the reigning regional champion at a clear disadvantage when competing against teams with greater experience and physical superiority, especially in the context of a packed schedule approaching the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

Nevertheless, the FIFA ASEAN Cup still offers a great opportunity. With official FIFA ranking points, every match is crucial for the FIFA standings. Moreover, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team have the chance to compete for a title in a FIFA-organized tournament—something unprecedented in the region's history.

In that context, Vietnam's national team not only enters the tournament with performance goals but also must find solutions for its squad composition. As opponents grow stronger through international players, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be a true test of Vietnam's ambition to maintain its top position in Southeast Asia.