Vietnam's national football team has experienced a significant setback at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, concluding their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Malaysia in the third-place playoff. This defeat not only marked the end of their remarkable 27-match unbeaten streak under coach Kim Sang-sik but also left the team outside the tournament's top three, a surprising outcome given their high expectations.

Prior to the tournament, Vietnam was viewed favorably in the regional media, especially after winning the ASEAN Cup (formerly known as the AFF Cup) for the second consecutive time just a month earlier. However, the team's fortunes changed dramatically during the tournament. Despite a strong start, where they created several opportunities in the opening 15 minutes, Vietnam struggled to capitalize on their chances.

The turning point came when Malaysia's Fergus Tierney scored, prompting the Malaysian team to adopt a defensive strategy that stifled Vietnam's attacking efforts. Malaysia successfully maintained their lead, finishing the tournament unbeaten with ten goals scored and none conceded. This victory was particularly notable as Malaysia achieved it without some key players, including captain Dion Cools.

Regional media outlets, including The Star and Astro Awani, highlighted the significance of this win for Malaysia, marking the end of a 12-year wait to defeat Vietnam. The last time Malaysia triumphed over Vietnam was in the semifinals of the AFF Cup in 2014. Malaysian coach Tan Cheng Hoe's team had previously shown strong form in the tournament, defeating Bangladesh and Singapore and drawing with Indonesia.

Siamsport from Thailand also reported on the match, focusing on a controversial moment in the 72nd minute when Vietnam was initially awarded a penalty for a foul in the box, only for the decision to be overturned after a VAR review. Despite Vietnam's attempts to equalize, they were unable to find the back of the net, leading to their disappointing finish.

As the dust settles on the tournament, analysts are reflecting on the disparity between Vietnam's pre-tournament expectations and their actual performance. Former coach Raja Isa had noted that Vietnam should not be underestimated, given their strong footballing tradition and team cohesion. However, the final result raises questions about the team's future prospects in international competitions.