With the Vietnam national team ranked at 116th globally, Malaysia, ranked at 132nd in the world, are considered to be the strongest rivals in the group. Indeed, they previously caused plenty of difficulties for previous Vietnamese sides in recent competitions.

Other representatives from Southeast Asia are also in tricky groups. Thailand will face Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, and Sri Lanka in Group D.

Myanmar will meet Afghanistan, Syria, and Pakistan in Group E. Elsewhere, the Philippines will be in the same group as Tajikistan, the Maldives, and Timor Leste.

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification consists of 24 teams divided into six groups. The top team in each group will qualify for the Asian Cup’s final round together with the host Saudi Arabia.

Previously, Vietnam progressed through to the Asian Cup’s final round in 2019 and 2023. Their best result is making it through to the tournament’s quarter-final stage back in 2019.