Cambodia's national team demonstrates an unprecedented level of ambition for the AFF Cup.

Cambodia, the rival of Vietnam's team, is set to hold a training camp in Japan as part of its meticulous preparation for the 2026 AFF Cup.

In its buildup for the 2026 AFF Championship, the Cambodian national team is showing great determination to make a breakthrough in Southeast Asia's premier tournament. The Angkor Warriors recently announced plans for a training camp in Japan from July 14 to 22, a key component of their strategy to enhance professional standards before entering the crucial competition at the end of the year.

According to the plan, head coach Koji Gyotoku and his squad will gather in Phnom Penh before departing for Japan. During the training period, Cambodia is expected to play two friendly matches against suitable opponents to test player fitness, evaluate the roster, and finalize tactical plans. This is considered a vital phase to help the coaching staff accurately assess the team's capabilities ahead of the official matches.

In recent years, Cambodian football has undergone many positive changes. The arrival of naturalized players and a more mature young generation has significantly improved the national team's professional quality. Coach Koji Gyotoku has repeatedly stated that he sees great potential in the current squad and believes the team can compete on equal footing with strong regional opponents.

That confidence was further reinforced after a 2-0 victory over Hong Kong (China) in a friendly match back in June. This marked the first time Cambodia had beaten that opponent after 11 meetings, bringing considerable self-belief to the entire team ahead of their AFF 2026 campaign. That positive result shows that the Angkor Warriors are gradually narrowing the gap with more developed football nations in the region.

At the 2026 AFF Cup, Cambodia is placed in Group A alongside defending champions Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and Timor Leste. According to the schedule, Coach Koji Gyotoku's men will face Singapore, Indonesia, and Timor Leste in turn before meeting Vietnam in the final group-stage match on August 7. This match is expected to be crucial for Cambodia's ambition to secure a semifinal berth.

Notably, Cambodia is the second Southeast Asian team to announce overseas training plans before the 2026 AFF Cup, following Vietnam's training camp in South Korea in early July. This underscores the great determination of the Angkor Warriors to achieve a historic goal: advancing past the group stage for the first time. With thorough preparation and an increasingly quality squad, Cambodia promises to be a tough opponent to beat in this year's tournament.