Despite rain forecasts, fans lined up from 4 a.m. to buy tickets for the Vietnam-Malaysia match

From the early hours of August 19, hundreds of supporters made their way to the VFF headquarters, lining up patiently to purchase tickets for the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal return leg between Vietnam and Malaysia. Some came as early as 4 a.m., carrying stools to sit on while waiting, even though rainy weather was predicted.

The atmosphere ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal return leg between Vietnam and Malaysia heated up very early. Before dawn, the area in front of the VFF headquarters on Le Quang Dao Street, Tu Liem Ward (Hanoi), was already crowded with fans.

According to the schedule, VFF would only start selling tickets directly at 10 a.m. However, the match's appeal prompted many fans to arrive around 4 a.m., bringing plastic chairs, foldable seats, and water to prepare for a long wait in hopes of securing a ticket to My Dinh Stadium.

The crowd grew larger by the minute. By morning, the area in front of the VFF gate was packed, with hundreds of fans patiently standing in line waiting for their turn. Although rain was forecast, it seemed not to diminish the determination of those who wanted to witness the crucial match of the Vietnamese national team in person.

The intensity of the Vietnam-Malaysia match had actually been evident days earlier. VFF had organized two online ticket sales on August 8 and 13. In both sales, tickets were quickly snapped up by fans within just a few hours.

Therefore, when VFF announced direct ticket sales on the morning of August 19, hundreds of people immediately flocked to the federation's headquarters. Many chose to arrive before dawn, fearing that the limited number of direct tickets would sell out quickly.

At around 9:45 a.m., after security and order measures were completed, VFF began opening the direct ticket sales area for fans. According to regulations, each person could purchase a maximum of four tickets, applicable to all price categories. This rule aimed to give more fans the opportunity to buy tickets while limiting individuals from hoarding too many.

While fans were queuing in front of the VFF headquarters, the black market ticket scene outside was also bustling.

Right on Le Quang Dao Street, dozens of ticket scalpers appeared, continuously seeking customers. Some even mingled near the line of waiting fans to offer their services. Ticket prices on the black market were significantly inflated compared to the original face value.

Specifically, tickets with a face value of 300,000 VND were being offered by scalpers at around 1.2 million VND per pair. Meanwhile, tickets worth 500,000 VND were being sold for about 1.6 million VND per pair. These prices reflected the enormous appeal of the semifinal match and also indicated that the demand for stadium entry far exceeded the available supply.

However, buying tickets from unofficial channels also carries the risk of purchasing fake tickets or encountering disputes. In the context of high demand, fans need to be especially cautious when making transactions.

On the evening of August 19, My Dinh Stadium will become the focal point of Vietnamese football as the national team hosts Malaysia in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal. This match will decide the ticket to the final. Following their impressive performances in the group stage and the first leg of the semifinal, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team is receiving great expectations from fans.