List of Teams Competing in the 2026 AFF Cup: What Chances Does Vietnam Have?

The 2026 AFF Cup is set to be a contest of 10 teams competing for the best title in Southeast Asia.

The 2026 AFF Cup promises to deliver exciting matchups among the top 10 Southeast Asian teams. According to the draw, Group A includes Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste. Meanwhile, Group B consists of Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. As the defending champions, the Vietnam team continues to be regarded as one of the brightest contenders for the title, but the journey to retain the crown will certainly not be easy as all regional opponents have made significant progress.

Vietnam National Team

• Group: A (Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Timor-Leste)
• Number of championships: 3 times
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Champions

The Vietnam team enters the 2026 AFF Cup as the reigning Southeast Asian champions.. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang Sik, the red-shirted team has a balanced squad across all three lines with many players at their peak. Their competitive spirit, stability, and experience in major tournaments keep Vietnam regarded as a top contender for the championship.

Indonesia National Team

• Group: A (Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Timor-Leste)
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Semi-finals

Indonesia is emerging as a new force in Southeast Asian football. The archipelago nation has many quality naturalized players and a pool of promising young talents. Recent positive results on the international stage show that Indonesia is fully capable of competing for the top spot in Group A and advancing deep in this year's tournament.

Singapore National Team

• Group: A (Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Timor-Leste)
• Number of championships: 4 times

Although no longer maintaining its top status as before, Singapore is still a traditional powerhouse in the region. Their disciplined play and experience make them always a tough opponent. Singapore is expected to compete fiercely with Indonesia for a semi-final spot.

Cambodia National Team

• Group: A (Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Timor-Leste)
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Group stage

Cambodia has shown significant improvement in recent years. With a well-invested young squad and an increasingly modern style of play, this team is no longer an easy opponent. Cambodia's goal is to create surprises and compete for a chance to advance in a group considered very difficult.

Timor-Leste National Team

• Group: A (Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia)
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Group stage

Timor-Leste continues to be considered the weakest in Group A. However, this team always plays with high determination and is ready to cause trouble for opponents. Participating in the 2026 AFF Cup is an opportunity for Timor-Leste to gain more experience and develop their squad for the future.

Thailand National Team

• Group: B (Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos)
• Number of championships: 7 times
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Runners-up

Thailand remains the most decorated team in AFF Cup history. With a top-tier football foundation in the region and a quality squad, the 'War Elephants' continue to be considered heavy favorites for the championship. Their experience and composure in big matches give Thailand an advantage, keeping them among the teams with the highest chances of winning.

Malaysia National Team

• Group: B (Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos)
• Number of championships: 1 time
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Semi-finals

Malaysia has made considerable progress thanks to a policy of adding naturalized players. This team possesses a fast, physical style of play and always creates difficulties for strong opponents. Malaysia's goal at the 2026 AFF Cup is to secure a semi-final spot and aim to replicate their past championship success.

Philippines National Team

• Group: B (Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos)
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Group stage

Philippines remains one of the most unpredictable teams in the region. With many players playing abroad, this team has a solid foundation in fitness and technical ability. If they perform at their best, the Philippines can definitely compete for a top position in Group B.

Myanmar National Team

• Group: B (Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Laos)
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Group stage

Myanmar has appeared in the AFF Cup knockout stages multiple times and is always regarded as a team with high fighting spirit. Although no longer maintaining its former status, Myanmar still has many promising young players and can spring surprises against higher-rated opponents.

Laos National Team

• Group: B (Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar)
• Most recent AFF Cup performance: Group stage

Laos remains one of the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament. However, Laotian football is seeing positive changes in youth training and player development. The 2026 AFF Cup will be an opportunity for this team to gain more experience and aim for progress in the future.

What opportunities for the Vietnam National Team?

Compared to many previous AFF Cups, this year's draw is considered relatively favorable for Vietnam. Indonesia is the biggest opponent in Group A, while Singapore is in a squad rejuvenation process. Cambodia has improved but is not yet at the level of the regional top group, and Timor-Leste is rated significantly lower.

If they maintain the form and consistency shown recently, Vietnam is fully capable of securing a semi-final spot as group leaders. Further, the goal of successfully defending the championship is entirely feasible given the team's quality squad and the confidence of the reigning Southeast Asian champions.