Vietnam's aspirations for the 2027 Asian Cup finals are facing a significant threat as Malaysia intensifies its efforts to enhance its national football team through the naturalization of players with European backgrounds. Following their recent victory in the ASEAN Cup, Vietnam is keen to secure qualification for the upcoming Asian Cup, but Malaysia's plans could complicate this goal. As the two teams prepare to face each other in a crucial qualifying group, the competition is set to heat up.

Malaysia's football association has openly stated its intention to bolster its squad by naturalizing six to seven players of mixed heritage, which could include talents like Brazilian striker Bergson da Silva and several players from European leagues. Tunku Ismail Idris, chairman of Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, emphasized the urgency of expediting the passport process for these players, allowing them to join the national team in time for the qualifiers. This strategic move comes in the wake of Malaysia's disappointing performance in the 2024 ASEAN Cup, where they failed to advance past the group stage.

In response to Malaysia's naturalization strategy, Vietnam is also taking steps to strengthen its squad. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has initiated the naturalization process for Jason Quang Vinh, a left-back with Vietnamese heritage. Additionally, midfielder Hendrio is expected to be eligible for naturalization soon. With a challenging group that includes Malaysia, Nepal, and Laos, Vietnam's coach, Kim Sang Sik, is focused on scouting talent from the V-League to ensure they are well-prepared for the qualifiers. The upcoming matches, particularly the first leg against Malaysia on June 10, 2025, will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the prestigious tournament.