November 18th: Xuan Son's starting position uncertain, Hanoi FC retains Van Tung.

Just before their rematch against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the Vietnamese national team faced a crucial personnel change: Nguyen Xuan Son's starting position was uncertain. On the same day, Hanoi FC finalized Nguyen Van Tung's long-term future until 2031, while according to Football Ranking, Vietnam temporarily rose to 110th in the world thanks to the stumbles of their competitors. In the region, the South Korean U22 team suffered a disappointing record ahead of their match against Vietnam U22; the Ho Chi Minh City women's club received a 300 million VND bonus from the VFF after securing an early spot in the AFC Women's Champions League quarter-finals.

Nguyen Xuan Son leaves his starting spot open against Laos.

Nguyen Xuan Son's chances of starting in the match against Laos are questionable. Based on observations from tactical training sessions, coach Kim Sang Sik has not included the Brazilian-born player in the starting lineup in either of the two practice matches: one in Viet Tri and one in Vientiane.

This move suggests the coaching staff prioritizes stability in the current lineup ahead of a potentially risky away match. The final decision will likely depend on the coaching staff's assessment of the game's rhythm and Xuan Son's ability to integrate, given that the match may demand high tactical discipline from the outset.

Nguyen Hai Long warns: the second leg will be different.

Facing an opponent they had lost to 0-5 in the first leg, Nguyen Hai Long assessed that the second leg "will be completely different" as Laos will be playing at home and have shown improvement. According to the midfielder, the coaching staff has prepared tactical plans based on detailed analysis of the opponent, in which focus and a proactive spirit are key to aiming for three points and avoiding unwanted surprises.

Hanoi FC retains Nguyen Van Tung until 2031.

Hanoi FC announced a long-term contract with striker Nguyen Van Tung, valid until 2031 (6 years). This is a strategic deal and sets a record for the longest contract term for a domestic player at the capital city's team, reflecting their belief in the striker's potential for development.

From an operational standpoint, "tying down" the key attacking player allows the team to be more proactive in personnel planning, thereby stabilizing their long-term performance.

Vietnam temporarily moves up to 110th place according to Football Ranking.

Before their match against Laos, the Vietnamese national team benefited from a simulated ranking in the Football Ranking (based on FIFA's official calculation), temporarily moving up one place to 110th in the world. This was due to unfavorable results from their direct competitors in the international matches.

• Tanzania lost 3-4 to Kuwait, losing 5.86 points and dropping 5 places in the standings.
• Kenya lost 0-1 to Equatorial Guinea, dropping 4.58 points and falling 4 places in the standings.

These developments indirectly improved Vietnam's ranking even before the competition began.

South Korea U22 set an unfortunate record ahead of their match against Vietnam U22.

For the first time since 2004, a South Korean men's national soccer team at any level has lost two consecutive matches against a Chinese team. The streak began with a 0-1 defeat at the CFA Team China friendly tournament in March and continued with a 0-2 loss at the 2025 Panda Cup. Both of the most recent goals conceded came from striker Behram Abduweli.

From a psychological perspective, this losing streak puts the South Korean U22 team in a position where they must react immediately before facing the Vietnamese U22 team. This context forces them to tighten their discipline in matches, while Vietnam has a basis to analyze their opponent from the weaknesses that have just been revealed.

Malaysia U23 criticized for wasting FIFA Days

Malaysian football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir has openly criticized the national U23 team's preparations under coach Nafuzi Zain. He argues that failing to utilize the November FIFA Days to select, test, and build a strong squad is a "serious waste" that could directly impact their performance at the 33rd SEA Games.

Datuk Jamal Nasir emphasized that this is a valuable period for assembling the team, and neglecting it would force the team to rush ahead towards their big goals.

Ho Chi Minh City women's club receives 300 million VND reward from VFF, advances to Asian quarterfinals early.

The Vietnam Football Federation sent a congratulatory letter and awarded 300 million VND to the Ho Chi Minh City women's club after the team secured an early spot in the quarterfinals of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025/26. President Tran Quoc Tuan signed the decision to award the prize to motivate the team.

The defending champions Vietnam won both of their first two matches: 1-0 against Stallion Laguna (Philippines) and 2-0 against Lion City Sailors (Singapore), achieving a perfect 6 points and securing a place in the top 8, with one match remaining against Melbourne City (Australia).

Quick Corner – Key Numbers

• 0-5: The score of the first leg match between Vietnam and Laos.
• 2031: The new contract term for Nguyen Van Tung with Hanoi FC (6 years).
• 110: Vietnam's current position according to the Football Ranking.
• 2004: The most recent date before South Korea lost two consecutive matches against China.
• 300 million VND: The VFF's reward for the Ho Chi Minh City women's club.