Vietnam's national football team is set to take on the Philippines in their opening match of Group B in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Premier Division. Coach Kim Sang-sik has named a strong starting lineup, with the intention of securing three points to gain an early advantage in the group.

Among the notable players in the starting eleven are Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Xuan Son, who both earned the title of 'Top Scorer' in the ASEAN Cup 2026. They will be joined by newcomer Williams Minh Hoang to form a formidable attacking trio. In the midfield, Hoang Duc has not yet regained his peak form following an injury, leading the coach to place him on the bench. Instead, the central midfield will feature Hoang Hen and Thanh Long, while Cao Quang Vinh and Tien Anh will play on the wings.

The defense also sees a significant change, with Vietnamese-American defender Adou Leygley Minh making his debut in the national team. He will partner with Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Pham Xuan Manh to form a solid back three. In goal, Le Giang Patrick continues to be the preferred choice for Coach Kim Sang-sik.

This competitive lineup indicates that Vietnam is determined not to drop points in their first match. According to the Premier Division format, only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the finals, making every match crucial. A victory against the Philippines would provide Vietnam with a strong start and the momentum needed before their significant clash against Thailand on September 29, which is expected to be pivotal in Group B.