Malaysia has shown clear intentions to challenge Vietnam for a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup by aggressively planning to naturalize several players in the coming months.

After reclaiming the ASEAN Cup title, Vietnam’s national team has set its sights on securing qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Additionally, the U22 team will compete in the 33rd SEA Games in December 2025, held in Thailand.

In the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, Vietnam is grouped in Group F alongside Malaysia, Nepal, and Laos. The primary objective for coach Kim Sang Sik and his team is to top the group and secure a direct ticket to the tournament.

With only the top team from each group advancing, competition will be fierce, especially against Malaysia, Vietnam’s main rival. The two teams will face off in the first leg on June 10, 2025, in Malaysia, and in the return leg on March 31, 2026, in Vietnam.

Malaysia's renewed ambitions

Malaysia underperformed in the 2024 ASEAN Cup, failing to progress beyond the group stage. The team lacked its strongest lineup due to domestic clubs withholding players. However, the situation could change drastically in the coming months as Malaysia gears up for the Asian Cup qualifiers.

Tunku Ismail Idris, chairman of the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club, revealed that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) plans to naturalize six to seven players of mixed heritage from Europe to bolster the national team.

“We have identified six to seven mixed-blood players for the national team. We hope the Malaysian government will expedite the passport process so they can play by March,” Tunku Ismail Idris stated.

One potential addition is JDT’s Brazilian striker, Bergson da Silva. Other notable candidates include Argentine winger Manuel Hidalgo and European-based players like Josh Brownhill (Burnley), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea), Tyrhys Dolan (Blackburn Rovers), Marcus Tavernier (AFC Bournemouth), Milan van Ewijk (Coventry City), Zian Flemming (Burnley), and Jamie Shackleton (Sheffield United).

Vietnam's challenges and opportunities

While Malaysia eyes a major squad overhaul, Vietnam faces its own challenges, including the loss of striker Nguyen Xuan Son for approximately nine months due to injury.

To counter Malaysia’s moves, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has confirmed the naturalization process of Jason Quang Vinh, a left-back with a Vietnamese mother, to strengthen the national team. In the longer term, midfielder Hendrio of Thep Xanh Nam Dinh will also be eligible for naturalization within a year, providing coach Kim Sang Sik with another valuable option.

After their ASEAN Cup victory, Vietnam’s team must continue improving. Coach Kim Sang Sik has already begun scouting talent in the V-League to identify top-performing players for the crucial Asian Cup qualifiers.

Dai Nam