AFF Cup 2026: Vietnam and Singapore's Victories Place Pressure on Indonesia

Competition in Group A of the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup, also known as the 2026 AFF Cup, has already begun to heat up. Vietnam and Singapore kicked off their campaigns with victories in their opening matches. This result places early pressure on the Indonesian National Team, who have not yet played their first tournament fixture.

Vietnam destroyed Timor Leste with seven unanswered goals at Chonburi Stadium on Friday evening, 24 July WIB. This dominant win sent Kim Sang Sik's squad to the top of the provisional Group A standings, leading Singapore on goal difference.

Hen Do Hoang opened Vietnam's lead in the 7th minute before Nguyen Dinh Bac went on to score a hat-trick.

The remaining two goals were netted by Nguyen Xuan Son and team captain Nguyen Quang Hai.

This 7-0 victory acted as a clear statement that Vietnam are one of the strongest candidates to progress from Group A. This high attacking output will be a crucial asset for Vietnam heading into upcoming matches, including their fixture against the Indonesian National Team.

In the other group match, Singapore secured a winning result despite being forced to work hard to break down Cambodia's resistance.

Playing at Marodok Techno Stadium, Phnom Penh, The Lions took the first half lead through Shawal Anuar. Ouk Sovann then levelled the score to 1-1 early in the second half.

Just as the match appeared set to finish level, dramatic action unfolded in stoppage time. Singapore had a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for an offside infringement.

Ilhan Fandi finally secured the win for Singapore with an acrobatic bicycle kick goal in the 90+12th minute to lock in the dramatic 2-1 result.

These three points moved Singapore into second place in the provisional standings. Though level on points with Vietnam, they trail on goal difference.

The Indonesian National Team, who are still yet to play their opening match of the tournament, currently sit temporarily in 3rd place on zero points, above Cambodia and Timor Leste.

These opening results indirectly pile further pressure on the Indonesian National Team ahead of their first fixture.

Indonesia are scheduled to begin their Group A campaign when they host Cambodia at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor on Monday 26 July 2026.