AFC Highlights Four Southeast Asian Players
The Asian Football Confederation named four players from the region to watch ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Asia
The AFC highlighted Nguyen Quang Hai, Chanathip Songkrasin, Jay Idzes, and Ilhan Fandi as Southeast Asian players to watch, publishing their profiles on the-AFC.com. The tournament runs from January 7 to February 5, 2027, in Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The spotlight underscores the growing profile of Southeast Asian football on the continental stage. For travelers and fans, the Asian Cup offers a chance to follow regional teams across multiple host cities.
Japan and Vietnam meet in a friendly on December 30 at Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka, while the Asian Cup group draw places Vietnam with the UAE, Korea, and Yemen. Final travel logistics for fans have not been confirmed.
The players
Nguyen Quang Hai
Vietnamese midfielder who won the AFF Championship Most Valuable Player award and has returned to a key role under coach Kim Sang-sik.
Asian Football Confederation
The continental governing body for football in Asia, which organizes the AFC Asian Cup and publishes player profiles.
The details
The AFC published player profiles on the-AFC.com, citing Nguyen Quang Hai's five-goal haul at the 2018 U-23 Championship and his goal at the 2019 Asian Cup. Head coach Kim Sang-sik has restored Quang Hai to Vietnam's starting line-up, and Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand also feature in the tournament groups.
Timeline
2018: Quang Hai scores five goals at the AFC U-23 Championship in China.
2019: Quang Hai scores at the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE.
December 30, 2026: Japan hosts Vietnam in a friendly in Osaka.
January 7 to February 5, 2027: AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 takes place.
Travel Outlook
Asian Cup tournaments in Gulf host nations have historically drawn fans across the region during the January to February winter window. The UAE 2019 edition set a recent precedent for Southeast Asian participation that the Saudi Arabia 2027 tournament now extends.
Fans considering travel to Saudi Arabia for the tournament should plan around the January 7 to February 5, 2027 window and confirm visa and accommodation requirements early. Those attending the December 30 Japan-Vietnam friendly in Osaka should book transport to Suita in advance.
The takeaway
Travelers following Southeast Asian teams should map the Asian Cup calendar against their own trip plans, since group-stage fixtures are spread across multiple host cities.
What happens next
The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 begins January 7, 2027, and Japan hosts Vietnam in Osaka on December 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more on regional destinations, explore our Asia travel coverage.
