Vietnam Lands in Jakarta, Heads Straight to Bandung for FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

The Vietnam national team has officially set foot in Indonesia. The Golden Star Warriors contingent landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, on Wednesday (23/9/2026), before continuing overland by bus to Bandung, West Java. The Jakarta–Bandung journey, which takes about three and a half hours, marks the first step in their preparations for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, a new tournament staged for the first time by FIFA.

Vietnam's decision to choose Bandung as its base is not without reason. Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, will host all Group B Division 1 matches. Vietnam is scheduled to open its campaign against the Philippines on 26 September 2026, then face Thailand three days later, and close the group phase against Pakistan on 2 October 2026. Three matches in the span of a week demand careful recovery management, especially since Vietnam must face two teams whose rankings cannot be taken lightly.

Group B itself comprises Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan—a composition that places Vietnam among the favorites. Thailand, the region's classic rival, is predicted to be the toughest competitor. Meanwhile the Philippines and Pakistan, though not favorites on paper, often trouble opponents with a disciplined and physical style of play. Vietnam is aware that no match can be taken for granted.

"This is a new tournament, the first one. We are very excited. This tournament is organized by FIFA, so I hope everything goes well and gets a lot of support from fans in all countries," said Vietnam left-back Jason Quang-Vinh Pendant at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, as quoted from a PSSI release.

Jason, also known by the Vietnamese name Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, stressed that his team's ambition is not half-hearted. He said every team in Group B has quality, so Vietnam must work extra hard from the first minute. "We will give our best to win this group," he asserted. The statement reflects the confidence that has grown from Vietnam's recent positive results.

Vietnam's credentials heading into this tournament are indeed serious. They have just defended their regional title by beating Thailand 4-2 on aggregate in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final. That success not only reaffirmed Vietnam's dominance at the Southeast Asian level but also provided valuable psychological capital before competing in a higher-level tournament. The victory over Thailand in the final gives them confidence that Vietnam can compete with the region's best teams.

For Indonesia, Vietnam's presence in Bandung carries its own implications. Although the Indonesia national team is not in Group B, this tournament serves as a barometer for the development of Southeast Asian football under the FIFA umbrella. PSSI, as the host organizer, benefits indirectly: staging an international tournament in Bandung could boost local economic turnover, from the hospitality and transportation sectors to small businesses around the stadium. In addition, the success of the hosting is a test of Indonesia's credibility in FIFA's eyes, which could affect the chance to host bigger football events in the future.

From a competitive standpoint, Group B is a showcase of Southeast Asian football strength. Vietnam and Thailand, the region's two giants, will measure their strength against each other. The Philippines and Pakistan are trying to steal the spotlight. Meanwhile Indonesia, in a different group, remains an interested spectator—because the performances of Vietnam and Thailand will mirror how far Indonesia must improve its quality if it wants to compete on a higher stage.

The big question is whether Vietnam will continue its dominance in this inaugural FIFA tournament, or whether Thailand will seize control. The answer will begin to emerge at Si Jalak Harupat, where ambition, strategy, and a champion's mentality are tested over one full week.