The Vietnam national football team has made a significant leap in the FIFA rankings following their recent success in the AFF Cup 2026. On August 19, Vietnam secured a 2-0 victory against Malaysia, thanks to a double from striker Nguyễn Xuân Son. This win not only propelled them into the finals of the tournament but also allowed them to gain valuable points in the FIFA rankings.

With this latest victory, Vietnam has accumulated an additional 3.67 points, bringing their total to 1,234.34 points, which places them at 98th in the FIFA rankings, surpassing Luxembourg. Earlier in the tournament, Vietnam had already earned 3.48 points by advancing through the group stage, with notable performances that included a 7-0 win against Timor Leste and a 3-0 victory over Indonesia. However, they did lose 0.77 points due to a draw with Singapore.

This upward trend marks a remarkable recovery for the team, which had fallen to 119th place in October 2024. Despite this progress, Vietnam still has a way to go to reach their highest historical ranking of 84th, achieved in October 1998.

In contrast, Thailand, despite reaching the AFF Cup finals, has seen a drop in their FIFA ranking. They initially gained points from five consecutive wins in the tournament, rising to 90th place. However, a loss to Singapore in the semifinals resulted in a deduction of 3.4 points, leaving them at 91st in the rankings, just behind Zambia.

Currently, Thailand holds the top spot in Southeast Asia, but the gap between them and Vietnam has narrowed to just seven places. The two teams are set to meet in the AFF Cup 2026 finals on August 22 and 26, with Vietnam having the advantage of playing the second leg at home in Mỹ Đình. This matchup not only determines the regional champion but also presents an opportunity for Vietnam to further close the gap with their regional rivals.

In their last encounter in the AFF Cup 2024 finals, Vietnam triumphed over Thailand with a total score of 5-3, showcasing their competitive spirit and determination.