The AFF Cup 2026 or ASEAN Hyundai Cup officially started on Friday, 24 July 2026, with two Group A matches. Indonesia has not yet announced its final squad while Vietnamese media described John Herdman's squad as a super squad.
Two opening matches were held today. Cambodia faced Singapore at 19.00 WIB at Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh, and Timor Leste took on Vietnam at 20.30 WIB at Chonburi Stadium in Chonburi.
The tournament runs until 26 August 2026 and features 10 Southeast Asian nations divided into two groups. Indonesia is in Group A alongside Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor Leste.
Coach John Herdman delayed the announcement of 26 players until after the training camp at Bali United Training Center in Gianyar ends on Saturday, 25 July. He said the announcement would be made in Jakarta.
Vietnamese media outlets including Soha expressed concern over Indonesia's strength due to naturalized players such as Thom Haye, Ivar Jenner, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Sandy Walsh, Eliano Reijnders, Jens Raven, Shayne Pattynama, Jordi Amat, and Mitchell Baker. They said Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik faces the toughest challenge.
