ASEAN Cup 2026 Top Scorer Race: Dinh Bac Trails Behind Indonesia's 19-Year-Old Striker

The competition for the top scorer in the 2026 ASEAN Cup is becoming increasingly exciting, with Indonesian striker Mitchell Baker currently at the top with four goals. Nevertheless, Nguyen Dinh Bac of Vietnam is still in hot pursuit with three goals.

Baker made an immediate impact in Indonesia's opening match, scoring a hat-trick against Cambodia, before sealing a 3-0 victory over Timor-Leste with a goal in the 81st minute. After two games, the striker has netted four times, averaging two goals per match, establishing himself as Indonesia's most dangerous attacking threat.

Meanwhile, Dinh Bac needed just one game to showcase his class. The Vietnamese forward scored a hat-trick in a 7-0 thrashing of Timor-Leste, but couldn't add to his tally after being held to a 0-0 draw by Singapore in the second matchday. Despite this, with three goals in two games, Dinh Bac remains Vietnam's biggest hope in the individual race.

Therefore, the clash between Indonesia and Vietnam at Pakansari Stadium on August 3rd will carry double significance. Not only will it directly impact the semifinal berth and the top spot in Group A, but it will also be a showdown between the two most promising candidates for the Golden Boot.

If Baker continues to find the net, he will create a significant gap over his rivals. Conversely, if Dinh Bac scores just one or two goals, he can easily level with or surpass the Indonesian striker.

Beyond Baker and Dinh Bac, the race still features several notable names. Malaysia's Paulo Josué has three goals and will face Thailand in the next match. Ilhan Fandi (Singapore), Than Paing (Myanmar), Kakana Khamyok (Thailand), and Hendrio (Vietnam) all have two goals each, ready to spring a surprise if they maintain their form.

With teams reaching the semifinals and finals having up to four additional matches, the ASEAN Cup 2026 Golden Boot race remains wide open. However, at this moment, all attention is focused on the competition between Mitchell Baker and Nguyen Dinh Bac – the two leading scorers and the biggest hopes for Indonesia and Vietnam in their quest for the championship.

ASEAN Cup 2026 Top Scorer Rankings

Mitchell Baker (Indonesia) – 4 goals

Nguyen Dinh Bac (Vietnam) – 3 goals

Paulo Josué (Malaysia) – 3 goals

Ilhan Fandi (Singapore) – 2 goals

Than Paing (Myanmar) – 2 goals

Kakana Khamyok (Thailand) – 2 goals

Hoang Hen (Vietnam) – 2 goals