Thick black fabric, security patrols, and a near-total lockdown now surround the Vietnam national football team as they start their 2026 ASEAN Football Championship run in Bandung, Indonesia. Indonesian organisers have turned the training ground into a closed-off zone, determined to keep out any distractions or prying eyes.
On 24 September, the Vietnam squad arrived at the Bandung Institute of Technology (IBT) football field. Police vehicles led the way. The field, about half an hour from their hotel in city traffic, was already surrounded by dozens of security staff. Organisers and Indonesian hosts sent teams to patrol and check the area. No one without clearance could get close or see the session.
The Vietnam national team landed in Indonesia on 23 September 2026 and immediately began preparations for the tournament, according to VOV.
This year, the organisers added a new layer: thick black cloth stretched tight across wooden poles, blocking all views of the field. Even IBT students hoping for a peek were shut out. No one could watch the Vietnamese team's drills or tactics. Both the Vietnamese delegation and journalists on site said this was a big step up from past visits.
The 2026 ASEAN Football Championship, officially called the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, runs from 24 September to 5 October. The ASEAN Football Federation says the tournament is split between two divisions and two host countries. Division 1 matches are in Indonesia. Division 2 is in Hong Kong (China). Vietnam is in Group B of Division 1, along with Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines. All group games are at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung. Vietnam faces the Philippines on 26 September, then Thailand on 29 September, and Pakistan on 2 October. These dates are confirmed by the ASEAN Football Federation and ANTARA.
For Vietnam, finishing first in Group B is more than pride. It is a key step in their regional push. The tight security shows the organisers want professionalism and fair play. It also shows how much regional football has changed. Even a glimpse of a training session can give rivals an edge. This approach is very different from the recent World 10-Ball Championship, where, as reported earlier, Vietnam's last hopes faded at home.
The ASEAN Football Federation has highlighted that Vietnam is using the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 to test its squad, introducing two new faces in the team lineup. This strategic move underlines the team's focus on both immediate results and long-term development as they prepare for a challenging group stage in Bandung.
With the ASEAN Football Championship underway, Indonesia has made its stance clear: preparation and security come first. The organisers' careful planning has set a new bar for tournaments in the region. Now, Vietnam must turn this protected setup into results on the field, starting with their opener against the Philippines. The real value of these measures will show in how the team performs and advances through the tournament.
