The squad departed Hanoi early on August 1, leaving for Noi Bai International Airport at around 5 a.m. before boarding a flight to Jakarta at 8:40 a.m.

The team landed in the Indonesian capital at approximately 1 p.m. local time before continuing by bus to Bogor, where the Group A match will be played.

Pressure after Singapore draw

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Vietnam's national team departs for Indonesia from Hanoi on August 1. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

Vietnam heads into the fixture after being held to a 0-0 draw by Singapore, a result that left Kim Sang Sik's side third in Group A behind Indonesia and Singapore.

The outcome has increased the pressure on the defending champions, with the away match widely viewed as a decisive test in the race for a place in the ASEAN Cup semifinals.

Head coach Kim Sang Sik said the team would hold a meeting immediately after arriving in Indonesia to review the lessons from the Singapore match.

The South Korean coach admitted he was satisfied with his players' fighting spirit but believed their overall performance fell below expectations.

A different challenge

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Vietnam begins preparations for its ASEAN Cup 2026 match against Indonesia after arriving in Bogor. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
 

Kim guided Vietnam to a 1-0 victory over Indonesia during the group stage of the 2024 ASEAN Cup, but he acknowledged that the circumstances are very different this time.

Unlike two years ago, when Indonesia fielded a youthful squad, the host nation is expected to deploy a much stronger lineup and will also enjoy home advantage.

Despite the challenge, Vietnam remains confident it can defend its ASEAN Cup title if it performs to its full potential.

The team believes it can compete with any opponent in Southeast Asia when playing at its best.

Dai Nam