ASEAN Cup Blow: Nguyen Xuan Son Ruled Out with Hamstring Injury

Injury Heartbreak for Nguyen Xuan Son as Forward is Ruled Out

Nguyen Xuan Son has been forced to withdraw from the tournament after suffering a severe hamstring injury during the clash against the Philippines on the evening of 26 September. An MRI scan on 27 September in Indonesia confirmed that the forward faces four to six weeks, or potentially up to three months, on the sidelines. This is another devastating blow for Son, who previously spent nearly a year recovering from a fractured tibia and fibula sustained at the 2024 ASEAN Cup.

FIFA Proposes Four-Year Cycle for ASEAN Cup

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom has proposed hosting the ASEAN Cup on a four-year cycle to avoid scheduling conflicts with the biennial AFF Cup, which boasts a rich history spanning over 30 years. The ongoing tournament is being co-hosted by Indonesia and Hong Kong from 24 September to 5 October 2026.

Hong Kong Thrash Laos as Malaysia Secures Broadcast Rights

Elsewhere, Hong Kong thrashed Laos 4-0 in Division 2 Group A at the Kai Tak Stadium, courtesy of goals from Sun Ming-him, Everton Camargo, Dudu, and Matt Orr. Laos were forced to field a heavily rejuvenated squad featuring 11 teenagers following a recent match-fixing scandal. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, broadcasters RTM and YTL have partnered to deliver live coverage of five matches.