Surprise at the appearance and turf of My Dinh Stadium before the Vietnamese team's comeback

Having been absent from hosting the national squad for almost two years, My Dinh Stadium now sports a fresh image, all set for Vietnam's reappearance in the clash with Singapore at 20:00 on July 31, in the Group A stage of the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

My Dinh Stadium 'transforms' ahead of Vietnam's match against Singapore

According to observations made the day before the game, the most noticeable change at My Dinh Stadium is the pitch. After a renovation costing nearly 10 billion VND, the field has been completely replaced with imported Zeon Zoysia grass. Not only does it have a uniform green color, but the new turf has also been meticulously maintained, fully meeting the professional standards of a regional tournament.

The upgrade goes beyond just the surface; it also includes improvements to the base layer to enhance drainage, durability, and playing quality. This is seen as a crucial overhaul for My Dinh to regain its status as the national stadium after a long period of criticism over the deteriorating pitch quality.

Both the Vietnam and Singapore teams have had their final training sessions to get familiar with the pitch before the match.

Not only has the pitch been given a "new coat," but the organizing committee's preparations for facilities have also been highly praised. The management of the My Dinh National Sports Complex mobilized staff to clean the entire stands, wipe down seats, and tidy up areas serving spectators.

The VIP seating area has been decorated according to the official visual identity of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, while interior sections of the stadium have been repaired, repainted, and finished, giving the national stadium a more modern and polished appearance.

The game against Singapore is the first time Vietnam has competed at My Dinh Stadium since September 2024. Back then, the team lost to Russia 0-3 and Thailand 1-2 in a series of international friendlies.

Over the past nearly two years, Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad has had to play at various stadiums. Their journey to winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup included four home matches at Viet Tri (Phu Tho). Then, in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Vietnam hosted Laos at Binh Duong, faced Nepal at Binh Duong and Thong Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and then took on Malaysia at Thien Truong (Ninh Binh).

Despite constantly changing venues, the Vietnam team has maintained an impressive home record. From October 2025 onward, they have played 11 home matches at different stadiums, securing 10 wins and only one draw.

Under Coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnamese football has also achieved many memorable milestones: maintaining an unbeaten run for two years, setting a record of seven wins in a single ASEAN Cup tournament, winning the championship on Thai soil, winning all matches in the Asian Cup qualifiers, and returning to the top 100 of the FIFA rankings.

The upgrade of My Dinh and its return as the national team's home ground holds special significance in the journey to defend the ASEAN Cup title. After two Group A matches, Vietnam ranks second with 3 points and a goal difference of +7, while Singapore leads with 6 points but has played an extra game. If they secure all three points in the match on the evening of July 31, Coach Kim Sang Sik's side will take the top spot, gaining a major advantage in the race for a semifinal berth.

The 2026 ASEAN Cup runs from July 24 to August 26, featuring 10 teams divided into two groups. As the defending champions, the Vietnam team has been tasked by the Vietnam Football Federation with reaching the final and successfully retaining the title. After facing Singapore at My Dinh Stadium, the team will travel to face Indonesia on August 3 before returning to Hanoi to host Cambodia on August 7.