On August 1, 2026, Thailand's national football team showcased their strength by defeating Malaysia 2-0, securing their position at the top of Group B in the AFF Cup 2026. Goals from Yotsakorn Burapha and Teerasak Poeiphimai not only earned Thailand three crucial points but also maintained their perfect record in the tournament, having previously won 5-0 against Laos.

With a total of seven goals scored and none conceded in their two matches, Thailand has established itself as a formidable contender for the AFF Cup title. Following the match, Thai media outlet Krian Buriram highlighted the impressive performance of the team, directly referencing Vietnamese football fans and comparing the teams' performances. They noted, "Vietnamese football fans must be watching the results of Thailand's two matches, where seven goals were scored without conceding any." This statement underscores Thailand's dominance over its regional rivals.

In contrast, Vietnam's national team is currently under pressure after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Singapore, which has placed them third in Group A with four points, trailing behind Singapore and Indonesia. The upcoming match against Indonesia on August 3 is critical for Vietnam as they seek to secure a spot in the knockout stage of the tournament.

If both Thailand and Vietnam advance from their respective groups, a potential rematch in the knockout stage could attract significant attention from Southeast Asian football fans, highlighting the rivalry between these two top teams in the region.