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Vietnam’s emerging star, Nguyen Dinh Bac, is set to be suspended, which could affect the national team’s participation in the 2027 Asian Cup, after receiving a red card during the 2026 U23 Asian Cup third-place match on Friday.

Bac was shown a red card in the 86th minute during the thrilling win over South Korea after committing a dangerous challenge on Lee Chan-ouk. According to the 2024 AFC Disciplinary Code, a red card received in a youth tournament is carried over to the subsequent tournament within the same category. However, as the 2004-born forward will not be eligible for the next U23 competition, the suspension is moved to the next applicable level – the senior national team.

As a result, Bac will be absent from Vietnam’s important Group F match for the 2027 Asian Cup against Malaysia, which is set for March 31. If Vietnam advances to the main tournament in Saudi Arabia in January 2027, he will also miss the first group stage game to serve the two-match suspension.

Vietnam is currently in second place in Group F of the qualification stage with 12 points, three points behind Malaysia. To take the lead based on performance, Vietnam must win the last match by a five-goal difference, following their 0-4 loss in the first leg.

Nevertheless, the group’s situation might alter because of a scandal involving Malaysia. FIFA has penalized Malaysia for improperly utilizing naturalized players. Should Malaysia’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) be unsuccessful, they may have to give up their games against Nepal and Vietnam from the previous year. In such a case, Vietnam would be given a 3-0 win, securing first place in the group irrespective of the outcome on March 31.

Bac was one of the most impressive players at the U23 Asian Cup held in Saudi Arabia, netting four goals and delivering two assists across six games. He shared the tournament’s leading scorer title with Jordan’s Ali Al Azaizeh and Lebanon’s Leonardo Shahin. His performances played a key role in Vietnam’s campaign, complementing a record that already features a goal against Japan during the 2023 Asian Cup and a gold medal from the SEA Games.

Vietnam’s team faced significant consequences for securing third place. Besides Bac, defender Pham Ly Duc was given a three-game suspension for a foul in the semi-final against China. He missed the third-place game and will continue serving his ban with the national team. Moreover, key defender Nguyen Hieu Minh sustained a torn knee ligament during the competition, an injury that is likely to keep him out for approximately nine months.