Timor Leste has announced the selection of six players based in Europe for their upcoming match against Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup. This selection is part of a broader squad of 26 players, with 13 of them currently playing overseas, highlighting the growing international presence of Timorese footballers.

Among the notable inclusions is midfielder Claudio Osorio, born in 2002, who has played six matches for Cobh Ramblers in the Republic of Ireland's First Division. Osorio’s journey began in Timor Leste before moving to Northern Ireland at the age of six. He joined Reading's youth academy in 2013 and was promoted to the first team, although he did not make any appearances. In 2023, he was loaned to Cobh Ramblers and later returned to Timor Leste to play for Karketu Dili before joining Persipal Palu.

Timor Leste's roster also features forward Oatnasio da Silva from Portadown in Northern Ireland, as well as Zion Cruz, Joao Varudo, and Eric Silva, who are playing in Portugal. Additionally, Joao Rangel is representing Leiston in the English Seventh Division. Coach Ze Pedro has also included five players from Australia, with Tristan Arrarte from Western Sydney Wanderers being a standout in the A-League.

Timor Leste has become the second ASEAN Cup 2026 team with the most players competing abroad, only behind the Philippines. The team’s previous attempts in the ASEAN Championship have seen them exit at the group stage in 2004, 2018, 2020, and 2024. This year, they secured their place in the tournament by defeating Brunei 6-1 over two legs in the playoff round.

Due to the lack of suitable venues in their home country, Timor Leste will play their matches at Chonburi Stadium in Thailand. They will kick off their campaign in Group A against the defending champions, Vietnam, on July 24. The team will also face Singapore, Indonesia, and Cambodia in the group stage.

With a mix of local and international talent, Timor Leste aims to make a significant impact in this year's ASEAN Cup, and players like Zenivio and Oatnasio da Silva are expected to pose a considerable threat to Vietnam's defense, which conceded only two goals in the previous group stage.