Venue finalized for the Vietnam vs Malaysia match in the Asian Cup qualifiers

The venue for the last qualifying match of the 2027 Asian Cup between Vietnam and Malaysia has been decided.

According to Lao Dong newspaper, the clash between Vietnam and Malaysia in the final round of Group F for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers will take place at Thien Truong Stadium, home of the Steel Nam Dinh Club, on March 31st.

Previously, this stadium has frequently been chosen to host crucial matches for national teams. The most recent was the friendly between Vietnam and India in October 2024. In that game, coach Kim Sang Sik's squad managed to draw with their opponents 1-1.

Additionally, sources say the "Golden Star Warriors" will play another friendly at Thien Truong Stadium to prepare thoroughly for the decisive upcoming match.

In the upcoming encounter, Vietnam must secure all 3 points to keep their hopes alive for qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Currently, the "Golden Dragons" trail Malaysia by 3 points and have an inferior head-to-head record after a 0-4 defeat in the first leg at Bukit Jalil. Therefore, to top Group F, coach Kim Sang Sik's team has no choice but to win by at least a four-goal margin.

However, the group standings could still shift dramatically as Malaysia faces the risk of severe sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Following FIFA's accusation of forged documents for seven naturalized players, the Malaysian Football Association has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If CAS rules unfavorably, the final decision will rest with the AFC.

In the worst-case scenario, Malaysia could forfeit two matches with a 0-3 lossagainst Nepal and Vietnam, and also lose 6 points. This would give Vietnam a significant advantage in the battle for first place in Group F, opening the door wide to the 2027 Asian Cup finals.