CaliToday (12/9/2025): The Vietnamese football scene is buzzing with excitement on two major fronts this week. The national team has been handed an unexpected but significant advantage in their quest to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, while the domestic calendar is set to ignite with a thrilling high-profile match in the Vietnamese National Cup.
A Home Away From Home: Vietnam's Edge in Asian Cup Qualifiers
The "Golden Star Warriors," as Vietnam's national team is affectionately known, have received a major boost in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. In a surprising turn of events, their group-stage opponent, Nepal, has officially selected Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City as their "home" venue for the upcoming fixture.
This decision, likely due to logistical or facility challenges in Nepal, effectively turns a potentially tricky away match for Vietnam into a second home game. The advantages for the Vietnamese side are immense:
No Travel Fatigue: The team will avoid a long and arduous journey, allowing them to remain in peak physical condition.
Familiar Conditions: The players will be perfectly acclimatized to the weather, pitch, and local environment.
Overwhelming Support: Instead of a hostile foreign crowd, Vietnam will be cheered on by a passionate home supporter base, creating an intimidating atmosphere for their opponents.
This development is seen as a crucial piece of luck that could significantly bolster Vietnam's chances of securing a spot in the continent's most prestigious international tournament, to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Domestic Titans Clash: National Cup Returns with Thanh Hóa vs. HAGL
Meanwhile, on the domestic front, the knockout excitement of the Vietnamese National Cup (Cúp Quốc gia) is making its vibrant return. The competition is highlighted by a marquee matchup between two of the V-League's most well-known clubs: Thanh Hóa FC and Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL).
This fixture is set to capture the attention of football fans across the country. Thanh Hóa, known for their consistent competitiveness and strong physical play, will host HAGL, one of Vietnam's most popular clubs, famous for its technical style and a long history of developing top national talent.
The return of the National Cup, and particularly a high-stakes clash between these two giants, signals a period of intense and thrilling action for supporters of the domestic league.
