Brian Jeffrey
Malaysia is making significant strides to rival Vietnam for a position in the 2027 Asian Cup by planning to naturalize several athletes soon.
After successfully winning the ASEAN Cup, Vietnam’s national squad is focused on qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Their U22 team is also set to participate in the 33rd SEA Games taking place in Thailand in December 2025.
As they prepare for the qualifiers, Vietnam finds itself in Group F along with Malaysia, Nepal, and Laos. Coach Kim Sang Sik aims to secure the top position in the group to ensure a place in the tournament.
With advancement limited to just the group winners, the competition is expected to be intense, especially between Vietnam and its key rival, Malaysia. Their initial match is scheduled for June 10, 2025, in Malaysia, followed by a return match in Vietnam on March 31, 2026.
Malaysia faced challenges during the 2024 ASEAN Cup, not making it past the group stage. The team struggled without its best players, who were withheld by local clubs. However, Malaysia is preparing to enhance its roster for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers.
Tunku Ismail Idris, the head of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club, announced plans by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to naturalize six to seven players of mixed heritage from Europe to strengthen the national team.
“We have pinpointed six to seven mixed-heritage players for the national selection. We are hopeful that the Malaysian government will expedite the passport processes to allow their participation by March,” stated Tunku Ismail Idris.
One player under consideration is Brazilian striker Bergson da Silva from JDT. Other prospects include Argentine winger Manuel Hidalgo and several European players, such as Josh Brownhill (Burnley), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea), Tyrhys Dolan (Blackburn Rovers), Marcus Tavernier (AFC Bournemouth), Milan van Ewijk (Coventry City), Zian Flemming (Burnley), and Jamie Shackleton (Sheffield United).
As Malaysia prepares for a major team overhaul, Vietnam is also dealing with its own issues, including the absence of striker Nguyen Xuan Son for about nine months due to an injury.
In response to Malaysia’s plans, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has initiated the naturalization of Jason Quang Vinh, a left-back with Vietnamese heritage, aiming to strengthen their roster. Additionally, midfielder Hendrio from Thep Xanh Nam Dinh will be eligible for naturalization within a year, giving Coach Kim Sang Sik another promising option.
Following their ASEAN Cup triumph, Vietnam must continue advancing. Coach Kim Sang Sik has already started identifying standout players in the V-League to prepare for the all-important Asian Cup qualifiers.
