Vietnam Begin Title Defence with 7-0 Rout of Timor-Leste

Defending champions Vietnam made an emphatic start to their ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 title defence with a commanding 7-0 victory over Timor-Leste in their Group A opener in Chonburi on Friday.

Nguyễn Đình Bắc starred with a hat-trick, while Đỗ Hoàng Hên added two goals. Tournament top scorer from the 2024 edition, Nguyễn Xuân Son, also found the net as the Golden Star Warriors produced a dominant display.

The convincing win sends a strong early message from Kim Sang-sik’s side, underlining their determination to retain the regional crown and remain the team to beat in Southeast Asia.