Vietnam vs Cambodia: Can the Defending Champions Finish Group A in Style?

Vietnam vs Cambodia Match Details

Vietnam closes its ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 Group A campaign against Cambodia in a match that could provide another opportunity for the defending champions to underline their status as one of Southeast Asia’s leading national teams.

The match is scheduled for August 7, with Vietnam hosting Cambodia as Group A reaches its conclusion. The official competition schedule confirms that Vietnam’s final group fixture is against Cambodia.ASEAN Championship 2026 Preview: A 30th Anniversary Like No Other

Why Vietnam vs Cambodia Matters

Vietnam entered the tournament as defending champion after winning the 2024 edition and is attempting to accomplish something it has never done before: successfully retain the ASEAN title.

Cambodia, meanwhile, is chasing its first appearance in the knockout rounds of the competition. AFF identified that ambition as a major objective for the Cambodian side entering the tournament.

That creates a fascinating contrast.

Vietnam has the pedigree and attacking quality. Cambodia has the opportunity to produce one of the biggest results in its recent ASEAN campaign.

Vietnam’s Explosive Start

Vietnam immediately showed why it entered the competition among the favorites.

Kim Sang-sik’s team opened its campaign with a 7-0 victory over Timor-Leste. Nguyen Dinh Bac scored a hat trick, while Do Hoang Hen added two goals and Nguyen Xuan Son also found the net.

That attacking performance sent an early warning to the rest of Group A.

Nguyen Xuan Son is particularly important after returning from a serious leg injury suffered during the 2024 final. AFF noted that the striker scored seven times in the previous edition.

Cambodia’s Challenge

Cambodia has already experienced both sides of the tournament.

The team lost 2-1 to Singapore in its opener before suffering a 5-1 defeat against Indonesia.

The challenge against Vietnam will therefore be enormous.

Cambodia cannot afford to give Vietnam time around the penalty area. The defensive line will need to remain compact, while the midfield must limit the service reaching Quang Hải, Dinh Bac and Xuan Son.

Head-to-Head

Vietnam has dominated the recent head-to-head record.

The teams met in March 2025, when Vietnam recorded a 2-1 victory. Earlier meetings produced Vietnam wins of 4-0 in 2021, 3-0 in 2018, 5-0 in 2017 and 2-1 in 2017.

The historical advantage therefore belongs firmly to Vietnam, although Cambodia will hope the latest meeting provides a different story.

Players to Watch

Vietnam: Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Xuan Son, Nguyen Quang Hai, Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Hai Long, Hoang Duc

Cambodia: Sa Ty, Saad, Sieng Chanthea, Lim Pisoth, Nick Taylor, Yudai Ogawa

Nguyen Dinh Bac is the obvious player to watch after his three-goal performance in Vietnam’s tournament opener. Xuan Son and Quang Hải also remain central to Vietnam’s attacking threat.

Projected Lineups

Vietnam — projected 3-4-3:
Patrik Le Giang; Xuan Manh, Thanh Chung, Nhat Minh; Tien Anh, Hoang Duc, Hai Long, Van Hau; Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Xuan Son, Nguyen Dinh Bac.

Cambodia — projected 4-3-3:
Hul Kimhuy; Pheakdey, Kan Mo, Sieng Chanthea, Seut Baraing; Yudai Ogawa, Nick Taylor, Saad; Lim Pisoth, Sa Ty, Abdel Kader Coulibaly.

Projected lineups are subject to change when official team sheets are released.

Vietnam’s projected shape is based on the core setup and personnel reported around Kim Sang-sik’s strongest available lineup, while Cambodia’s XI remains more uncertain ahead of official team news.

Tactical Battle

Vietnam should dominate possession and attempt to move Cambodia’s defensive block from side to side.

Dinh Bac’s movement from the left and Hoang Hen’s ability to attack from the opposite side could create space for Xuan Son through the middle.

Cambodia’s best opportunity may come through counterattacks. If Vietnam’s wing-backs push high, Cambodia could attempt to exploit the space behind them.

The first goal could be decisive.

If Vietnam scores early, Cambodia could face a long night. If Cambodia survives the opening 30 minutes, pressure may begin to build on the defending champions.

Prediction

Vietnam 3-0 Cambodia

Vietnam’s attacking depth, recent scoring form and historical advantage make the defending champions the clear favorite.

The Bottom Line

Vietnam vs Cambodia offers two very different ambitions.

Vietnam wants another convincing performance as it attempts to defend its ASEAN title. Cambodia wants to produce the kind of result that could change the story of its tournament.

For the defending champions, the message is simple: finish the group stage strongly and carry momentum into the knockout rounds.

Player list: Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Xuan Son, Nguyen Quang Hai, Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Hai Long, Hoang Duc, Patrik Le Giang, Sieng Chanthea, Sa Ty, Lim Pisoth, Nick Taylor, Yudai Ogawa

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