Indonesian fans react strongly to being grouped with Vietnam's national team

Right after the ASEAN Cup 2026 group draw on January 15 in Jakarta (Indonesia), Indonesian supporters promptly showed enthusiastic responses when their national team ended up in the same group as Vietnam again.

According to the draw results, Vietnam is placed in the same group as Indonesia and Singapore, two familiar opponents who have faced the "Golden Star Warriors" on their path to winning the ASEAN Cup two years ago. In the 2024 tournament, Vietnam defeated Indonesia 1-0 in the group stage thanks to a goal by Nguyễn Quang Hải, before overcoming Singapore with an aggregate score of 6-1 over two semifinal legs.

Therefore, many Indonesian fans showed a mix of excitement and caution when the draw once again paired them against the Vietnamese team. One Indonesian fan commented: “Facing Vietnam, considered the strongest team in the ASEAN region currently, and led by a Korean coach. This will be a great test for coach John Herdman. Let’s see what kind of ‘dish’ John will serve.”

One fan emphasized the new head coach’s mission: “John Herdman’s task is to sweep all 4 matches with victories at the ASEAN Cup 2026.”

Additionally, there were many comments comparing and predicting the tournament’s outcome. One account stated: “This time ‘King Indo’ will face the Philippines in the semifinals, Malaysia won’t get past the group stage, and Thailand will meet the team of the ‘Nguyens.’” 

Another fan frankly expressed anticipation: “Finally, the challenge named Vietnam has arrived.”

Notably, a segment of Indonesian supporters showed confidence recalling recent head-to-head records with Vietnam in regional group stages. One analysis said: “Drawn with Vietnam for three consecutive years, the results are 3 wins and 1 loss (when using the U23 squad). In this ASEAN Cup, Indonesia may call up players playing abroad, including those in the Thai League, but perhaps Asnawi now shares the same fate as Elkan, being ‘blacklisted’ from the team.”

The ASEAN Cup 2026 marks a major change as the tournament will be held in summer, from July 24 to August 26, right after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The competition features 10 teams divided into two groups of 5 teams each, playing a single round-robin. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, then compete for the championship in a two-legged final.