ASEAN Cup 2026: Vietnam rocked by Xuan Son injury blow as TV rights drama resolved

Vietnam have suffered a major injury blow ahead of their clash with Thailand, with star striker Nguyen Xuan Son sidelined for four to six weeks due to a thigh injury. This squad setback comes hot on the heels of an eleventh-hour TV rights agreement secured by FPT Play and TV360, finalized just an hour before the opening match.

Nguyen Xuan Son ruled out of ASEAN Cup 2026 with serious injury

Medical assessments confirmed that the 29-year-old forward has suffered a severe hamstring tear, ruling him out of action for four to six weeks. The striker has officially withdrawn from the tournament and will fly back to Vietnam on 28 September to begin his rehabilitation.

Tasked with filling this massive void, head coach Kim Sang-sik put his squad through their paces in torrential rain to maintain high-intensity fitness and sharp ball control. The entire team is fully focused on the blockbuster showdown against Thailand, scheduled for 19:30 on 29 September 2026.

Eleventh-hour drama over ASEAN Cup 2026 TV rights resolved

The broadcasting deal was successfully wrapped up by FPT Play and TV360 at noon on 26 September 2026, bringing an end to days of tense negotiations. Previously, talks had repeatedly hit a stalemate due to significant financial disagreements.

The initial asking price pitched by FIFA's partner was a staggering $3 million, which was later lowered to $2.6 million. However, the Vietnamese broadcasters stood firm, refusing to budge as the figure far exceeded the realistic commercial value of the domestic market.

Faced with the prospect of a complete TV blackout in Vietnam, the rights holders were forced into a dramatic late price cut to seal the deal just an hour before the national team kicked off their campaign.

Major upsets in Division 2 fixtures

Cambodia edged past Myanmar with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a 90th-minute wonder strike from Sin Kakada. Earlier in the match, a VAR intervention in the 71st minute overturned a red card initially shown to a Myanmar player.

In the other fixture, hosts Hong Kong thrashed Laos 4-0 in front of a raucous crowd of 18,873. The resounding victory sends Hong Kong to the top of Group A.

Tension mounts ahead of Indonesia vs Malaysia Nusantara Derby clash

The highly anticipated Group A Division 1 clash between Indonesia and Malaysia is set to kick off at 19:30 on 28 September 2026 at the Gelora Bung Karno cauldron. Both fierce rivals took maximum points from their opening fixtures, with Indonesia beating Singapore 2-0 in front of 38,702 fans, while Malaysia cruised to a 3-0 win over Bangladesh.

Malaysia's 35-year-old forward Bergson likened the fierce intensity of this rivalry to the South American Superclásico between Brazil and Argentina.

Verdict & Editorial Perspective

Vietnam have been dealt a devastating blow with star striker Nguyen Xuan Son ruled out for four to six weeks with a severe hamstring tear, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament. His absence ahead of the blockbuster clash against Thailand on 29 September leaves a massive selection headache, especially as competition in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 reaches fever pitch.

How do you think head coach Kim Sang-sik will solve this tactical puzzle to replace Nguyen Xuan Son against Thailand?