Live schedule FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: Vietnam plays Pakistan, competing for second place in Group B

The race in Group B of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is entering its final stage, with the spotlight on the clash between Vietnam and Pakistan. After the first two rounds, Vietnam sits second with 3 points, three behind group leaders Thailand. The goal for coach Kim Sang Sik's side is not only to secure a ticket to the third-place match but also to win convincingly against a weaker opponent while improving the crucial tiebreaker metric of goal difference. The Group B picture after two rounds is fairly clear. Thailand has already secured a place in the final with a perfect 6 points, underlining its status as the region's number one contender. Vietnam is second with 3 points, while the Philippines and Pakistan both have 1 point, sitting third and fourth respectively. The gap between the top and the chasing pack is clear, but Vietnam's second place is not absolutely guaranteed if the final results unfold unfavourably. According to analysis from regional sports sources, Vietnam has a goal difference of -1 after the defeat to Thailand. This means Kim Sang Sik's team needs a positive result against Pakistan to consolidate second place. A heavy win would not only secure Vietnam's ticket to the third-place match but also erase doubts about the team's form and character following the loss to the Thais. Notably, analysts suggest Vietnam may need only 1 point against Pakistan to be certain of second place, in the event the tournament's ranking rules prioritise head-to-head records. Vietnam beat the Philippines in the previous round, so if the head-to-head criterion applies, Kim Sang Sik's side holds a significant advantage. However, if organisers apply goal difference, a draw against Pakistan may not be enough to guarantee second place, especially if the Philippines spring a surprise against Thailand. This is the key point the Vietnamese coaching staff must calculate carefully. As for Pakistan, they are rated the weakest team in Group B with just 1 point from two matches. However, in regional football, upsets against supposedly weaker opponents can always happen. Vietnam must avoid complacency and enter the match with maximum focus. Coach Kim Sang Sik is expected to field his strongest XI rather than continue rotating as he did against Thailand. The rotation story has become a controversial topic among Vietnamese fans. In the defeat to Thailand, Kim Sang Sik's use of several substitutes and a B/C squad sparked a wave of criticism. Some fans argued the Korean tactician did not field his strongest line-up, leading to defeat and forcing Vietnam into a battle for second place. Others defended the decision, calling it a reasonable calculation to preserve strength for the road ahead. Whichever view is correct, the reality is that Vietnam faces considerable pressure. The Pakistan match is therefore decisive, not only in terms of points but also in terms of fan confidence. A convincing win would ease public opinion, while a poor result could intensify criticism aimed at Kim Sang Sik and the coaching staff. On the commercial front, this year's tournament recorded a notable signal as the champion's prize money was cut from USD 1,000,000 to USD 650,000, a 35% reduction. The reason is said to be that TV rights were difficult to sell at a high price. This signals that the regional tournament's commercial appeal is facing challenges and could affect investment levels and teams' motivation to participate in the future. In terms of media, the tournament is broadcast on domestic platforms such as TV360 and FPT Play, indicating that viewership value is concentrated mainly in Vietnam and Thailand rather than spread across the region. This partly explains why TV rights did not fetch the expected price, leading to the prize cut. This is a structural problem organisers need to address if they want to elevate the tournament in future seasons. Returning to the Vietnam-Pakistan match, this is an opportunity for Kim Sang Sik to prove his coaching ability and dispel doubts. Vietnam is rated superior in every aspect, from squad quality to international experience. However, football always has surprises, and complacency against an underestimated opponent is a trap any big team can fall into. Tactically, pundits suggest Vietnam needs to control the game from the start, score early to create a comfortable mindset and avoid falling behind. Improving goal difference is also an important objective, as tiebreakers could decide Vietnam's final position in Group B. A heavy win would not only secure Vietnam's ticket but also send a strong message about the team's ambitions. For the fans, this match is a chance to show their belief and support for the national team. After the defeat to Thailand, the spirit of encouragement remains crucial to give the players extra motivation. Vietnamese football has endured many ups and downs, and difficult moments are precisely when love for the national team is shown most clearly. More broadly, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is an important playground for regional teams to gain experience and prepare for bigger goals. For Vietnam, this tournament is a chance for Kim Sang Sik to test personnel, build a playing style and forge a team identity. Whatever the result against Pakistan, the coaching staff must draw valuable lessons for the road ahead. In summary, the Vietnam-Pakistan match in the final round of Group B at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is decisive for Vietnam's fortunes. A convincing win would help Kim Sang Sik's side secure second place, reach the third-place match and ease the mounting pressure. Conversely, any unsatisfactory result could open up unpredictable consequences. Fans across the country are waiting for the team to show character, and this match promises to be one of the tournament's most notable highlights.