Vietnamese football after AFF Cup 2026: Positive signals and challenges ahead

The AFF Cup 2026 has concluded with an emotional championship for the Vietnam national team. But behind this victory lies a long journey of preparation, bold tactical decisions, and the remarkable maturity of a new generation of players. This article delves into the bright spots, tactical nuances, and the challenges Vietnamese football faces on its path to cementing its number one position in Southeast Asia and reaching continental heights.

1. The tactical revolution under coach Troussier

Immediately after AFF Cup 2026 ended, experts praised coach Philippe Troussier. Not just the championship itself, but the way Vietnam achieved it was noteworthy. Instead of the traditional defensive counter-attacking style, Troussier built a possession-based system with high pressing and continuous ball circulation. The final against Thailand was the clearest proof: Vietnam held 58% possession, created 12 shots compared to 7 for the opponent. This was a revolutionary change from the style under coach Park Hang-seo.

Troussier once said: “I don’t want my team to only defend and wait for mistakes. I want them to control the game.” And the numbers proved it: Vietnam’s pass accuracy during the tournament reached 86%, the highest in AFF Cup history. But this transformation did not happen overnight. In the early stages, the team struggled with draws against weaker opponents. However, the coaching staff’s patience and the players’ belief helped the system run smoothly at the crucial moment.

2. Shining individuals: The next generation

One of the biggest successes of AFF Cup 2026 was the emergence of new faces. Young midfielder Nguyen Van Truong (born 2026) had a breakout tournament with 3 goals and 4 assists, winning the Best Player award. What made it special was how he combined with seniors like Nguyen Quang Hai and Do Hung Dung to create a midfield that was both technical and combative. Additionally, left-back Nguyen Phong Hong Duy showed tremendous improvement with fast overlapping runs and accurate crosses.

But perhaps the most impressive story was the return of Nguyen Tien Linh. After a long period of poor form due to injury and psychological pressure, Tien Linh scored 5 goals in the tournament, including the decisive goal in the final. In an interview, he shared: “I had to overcome many doubts, both from outside and within myself. This AFF Cup was my affirmation that I still have something to offer the team.” This is the mental factor Vietnamese football always needs: players full of desire and resilience.

3. The telling numbers: Data behind the championship

Beyond emotions, let’s look at specific data to understand why Vietnam won. According to statistics from VangBong.vn, Vietnam led the tournament in expected goals (xG) with a total of 14.8, higher than Thailand (11.2) and Indonesia (9.5). This indicates the chances created were high quality. Moreover, Vietnam’s successful tackles (87) ranked second only to Malaysia, but their tackle success rate was the highest (68%). This reflects defensive discipline.

Another notable figure: the number of long passes (over 30 meters) by Vietnam decreased by 40% compared to AFF Cup 2026, replaced by short and medium passes to maintain game rhythm. This aligns perfectly with Troussier’s philosophy. However, a weakness also emerged: Vietnam still struggled when pressed high, leading to mistakes near the box. In the semifinal against Indonesia, this nearly cost them a goal.

4. Challenges ahead: The continental journey

The AFF Cup championship is an excellent stepping stone, but Vietnam’s destination is not limited to Southeast Asia. The 2027 Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers are the real challenges. To compete with top Asian teams like Japan, South Korea, or Iran, Vietnam needs a comprehensive upgrade: youth training quality, physical condition, and tactical mindset.

One persistent issue is the gap in physique and speed. At the Asian level, Vietnamese defenders are often overpowered in duels. According to VangBong.vn, Vietnam’s aerial duel win rate at AFF Cup 2026 was only 51%, lower than Thailand (57%). This shows the team still has an inherent physical weakness. Additionally, the lack of a prolific striker with diverse finishing ability is another problem Troussier must solve.

5. Domestic league system: Foundation for the future

Alongside the national team, the V-League plays a crucial role. The 2026-2026 season saw fierce competition among big clubs like Cong An Ha Noi, Ha Noi FC, and Hai Phong. Heavy investment in quality foreign players has elevated the league, but it also raises questions about playing time for young talents. Troussier once complained that many young players do not get regular club minutes. This is a paradox: a strong league but limited opportunities for succession.

Some clubs have taken positive steps. Ha Noi FC introduced a policy of prioritizing under-23 players in certain positions, giving players like Nguyen Van Tung more game time. This is a model other clubs should emulate. Vietnamese football can only develop sustainably with a unified training system from root to top.

6. Looking ahead: Promise and faith

AFF Cup 2026 gave Vietnamese fans moments of euphoria. But to remain at the top, we need a long-term strategy. We cannot always rely on fighting spirit; Vietnamese football must develop modern tactical thinking and physical conditioning. Troussier has opened a new path, and the rest depends on the persistence of the entire football ecosystem.

I believe that with what has been shown, Vietnam can compete for a World Cup spot in the not-too-distant future. But for now, let’s enjoy this victory and prepare for the tougher journeys ahead.