Vietnam will face the Philippines, Thailand and Pakistan in Group B of the top division at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. The schedule published by VnExpress on September 9 has Vietnam opening against the Philippines on September 26, followed by Thailand on September 29 and Pakistan on October 2.

Finishing first carries particular importance because only the group winners advance to the final. The two runners-up in the top division will contest third place. Both concluding matches are scheduled for October 5.

The tournament brings together 11 Southeast Asian teams and three guests across two divisions. Indonesia hosts the top division, while Hong Kong stages the second. Bangladesh and Pakistan joined after China and India did not take part under the original plan.

The overall competition runs from September 24 to October 5, with teams playing one another once within each group. The second-division final is scheduled for October 3.

According to the report, Vietnam plan to begin gathering on September 14 and reduce the squad to 26 players before travelling to Indonesia on September 21. Some Cong An Ha Noi and The Cong Viettel players will arrive later because of club commitments.