Top 3 favorites to win the 2026 AFF Cup: Vietnam ranked 2nd, No. 1 extremely strong

The 2026 AFF Cup is drawing near, with the title race expected to be extremely intense. Considering team quality, current performance, and preparations ahead of the competition, the three most promising contenders for the Southeast Asian throne are becoming clear.

3. Thailand: Determined to reclaim the crown

Although they no longer hold absolute dominance as before, Thailand remains a contender that cannot be overlooked at the 2026 AFF Cup. The "War Elephants" are fiercely resolved to regain the championship after their defeat to Vietnam in the 2024 AFF Cup final.

Coach Anthony Hudson has repeatedly stated that the top Southeast Asian tournament is a key goal for Thai football this year. Notably, this strategist revealed that the Land of Smiles team is currently planning to add at least four overseas-based players with foreign roots to strengthen their squad.

Names such as Kenny Dougall, Eric Kahl, Achitpol Keereerom, and Erawan Garnier are expected to bring a fresh breeze to the Thai team if their naturalization procedures are completed. Additionally, midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin affirmed that Thailand aims to win the title to reclaim their status as the region's number one.

However, compared to Vietnam and Indonesia, Thailand still faces a generational transition challenge, as many key players have passed their peak form. Nevertheless, with experience, composure, and the richest trophy tradition in the region, the "War Elephants" remain a formidable opponent on their journey to conquer the 2026 AFF Cup.

2. Vietnam: The confident defending champions

The Vietnam national team enters the 2026 AFF Cup as the reigning champions and continues to be regarded as a top candidate for the title.

Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam has maintained stability in playing style and squad quality. Alongside experienced pillars like Duy Mạnh, Quang Hải, and Hoàng Đức, the red-shirted team has also gained strength through naturalized players such as Nguyễn Xuân Son, Đỗ Hoàng Hên, Nguyễn Tài Lộc, Lê Giang Patrik or domestic strikers like Tiến Linh, Tuấn Hải, Việt Cường, and Gia Hưng.

Moreover, the young generation of Vietnam's U23 players continues to show strong growth. Names like Trung Kiên and Đình Bắc are gradually establishing their roles in the national team, giving coach Kim Sang-sik more quality options.

Thai media have also acknowledged that Vietnam now possesses a deeper squad than before, capable of competing across multiple tournaments simultaneously. This factor makes Vietnam the biggest obstacle for any opponent at this year's AFF Cup.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's recent appearance in the stands of Gelora Bung Karno Stadium to watch Indonesia play also demonstrates the defending champions' thorough preparation for their title defense campaign.

1. Indonesia: Top favorite for the 2026 AFF Cup title

Indonesia is widely regarded by experts as the strongest candidate for the 2026 AFF Cup championship, thanks to massive investments in recent years and the strong determination of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

Although the tournament is not on the FIFA Days calendar, preventing coach John Herdman from calling up all players active in Europe, Indonesia still boasts a quality squad with many standout stars such as Marselino Ferdinan, Thom Haye, Marc Klok, Shayne Pattynama, and Egy Maulana Vikri.

A notable point is that many of Indonesia's naturalized players are already playing in the domestic league. This allows the coaching staff to easily monitor form, build tactics, and maintain team cohesion ahead of the tournament.

After several near-misses for the Southeast Asian title, Indonesia now possesses one of the strongest generations of players in their history. The combination of quality naturalized players, promising young stars, and a strong desire to capture the trophy makes the archipelago nation the most formidable name at the 2026 AFF Cup.

The 2026 AFF Cup therefore promises to be an exciting competition among the three major powers of regional football. However, at this moment, Indonesia is rated slightly higher due to squad depth and immense ambition, while Vietnam and Thailand remain ready to create a thrilling three-way race for the championship.