Nguyễn Xuân Son, the prominent forward for the Vietnam national football team, is facing a potential absence from the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 due to a thigh injury sustained during the opening match against the Philippines. This match, held on September 26, 2026, ended with Vietnam securing a 1-0 victory.

In a critical moment of the game, Son, who was captaining the team for the first time, slipped while attempting to dribble the ball and fell to the ground in pain. He did not collide with any opposing player during this incident, but the injury was serious enough to require his substitution in the 60th minute.

Following the match, head coach Kim Sang-sik provided an update on Son's condition, indicating that it was a muscle strain. While he noted that the injury is not deemed too severe, there is uncertainty regarding how quickly Son can return to play. "Xuân Son is a key player for our team," Coach Kim stated. "However, we have alternative strategies in place if he cannot participate in upcoming matches." The exact nature of Son's injury will be determined through medical examinations, but muscle strains typically require several weeks for recovery.

If Son is sidelined for an extended period, it would be a significant loss for the Vietnamese team, as he is not only a crucial attacking player but also serves as the vice-captain, having worn the captain's armband in the absence of Nguyễn Hoàng Đức. Prior to the tournament, Son shared the top scorer title of the ASEAN Cup 2026 with five goals.

This injury raises concerns among fans, especially since Son previously endured a severe injury during the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, where he suffered fractures to both his tibia and fibula after slipping. His current situation, following a slip in a match, has heightened anxieties about his health and future performance.

As Vietnam prepares for its next two group stage matches against Thailand on September 29 and Pakistan on October 2, the team will need to adjust its strategies depending on Son's availability. Only the group winners will advance to the final, while the second-placed team will compete for third place.