Bangladesh begin their 2026 campaign with a stern test as they take on an in-form Vietnam national football team away from home in an international friendly on Thursday at 6pm (BDT).
The match serves as a key preparatory fixture for Bangladesh ahead of their final AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore national football team on March 31.
The Men in Red and Green have shown encouraging progress over the past year, boosted by the inclusion of overseas-based talents such as Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome.
Despite being the lowest-ranked team in their qualifying group, Bangladesh impressed by collecting five points, including a notable win over India national football team — their first against the regional rivals in more than two decades.
Much of the spotlight will once again fall on Hamza, who has made a strong impact with four goals in seven appearances, including a spectacular bicycle kick against Nepal national football team last November.
However, the Leicester City midfielder only joined the squad in Vietnam two days before the match following club commitments and will have limited time to train with the team.
Head coach Javier Cabrera has yet to confirm whether his key player will start. He said at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday that Hamza is adapting after returning from injury and will be assessed before a decision is made.
“Our main objective is to prepare for the upcoming match against Singapore. Facing Vietnam is very important for us, as they are one of the strongest teams in Southeast Asia. Playing against them will help build our confidence,” he also said.
Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic. “It will be a difficult match, but Bangladesh are improving. We believe we have the ability to compete with Vietnam,” he said.
Bangladesh’s preparations began in Dhaka on March 16 before the squad travelled to Hanoi four days later. Defender Bishwanath Ghosh has also returned after a lengthy injury layoff.
The visitors face a formidable task against a confident Vietnam side coached by Kim Sang-sik. The Southeast Asian outfit are in impressive form, having won their last 11 matches and remaining unbeaten in 14 since their defeat to Thailand national football team in September 2024.
Vietnam head into the game following a 2-0 win over Laos national football team in Asian Cup qualifying.
Kim acknowledged Bangladesh’s recent improvement, particularly with the addition of foreign-based players, but stressed that his team will aim for victory. “The Vietnam national team is preparing well to bring joy to the fans,” he said. “Bangladesh have changed a lot compared to last year. I believe their current squad is much stronger than before.”
Vietnam captain Do Duy Manh echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of discipline and securing a win even in a friendly due to its impact on FIFA rankings.
Ranked 181st in the world, Bangladesh national football team face a significantly higher-ranked Vietnam side (103rd), underlining the scale of the challenge. Nevertheless, Cabrera views the encounter as a valuable opportunity to test his squad and build confidence against one of Southeast Asia’s strongest teams.
With another crucial qualifier looming, Bangladesh will look to deliver a competitive performance and fine-tune their preparations, while Vietnam aim to extend their impressive unbeaten run and maintain momentum.