Vietnam has made history by defeating Thailand to win the ASEAN Cup 2026, securing the championship with an aggregate score of 4-2. The final match, held in Hanoi, concluded in a 2-2 draw, but Vietnam's earlier victory of 2-0 in the first leg gave them the edge needed to retain the title.

The decisive moments of the match unfolded dramatically. In the final minutes, a crucial own goal by Thailand's Wanchai allowed Vietnam to equalize, sealing their victory. The match ended with the referee's whistle, confirming Vietnam's triumph.

This championship marks Vietnam's fourth title in the history of the ASEAN Cup and their first successful title defense since the tournament's inception. Coach Kim Sang-sik celebrated the victory with his players, including Văn Hậu and Lê Giang Patrik, at My Dinh Stadium on the night of August 26.

Throughout the match, Vietnam displayed resilience and tactical prowess. Despite conceding a goal to Thailand, who had brought Wanchai on as a substitute, Vietnam maintained composure and capitalized on their opponent's mistakes. The own goal by Wanchai, who had just scored for Thailand moments earlier, was a turning point that allowed Vietnam to secure their victory.

Vietnam's performance in the tournament has been impressive, winning all five of their recent matches, scoring 12 goals while conceding only one. Their journey to the final included victories over teams like Indonesia and Malaysia, showcasing their dominance in Southeast Asian football.

As Vietnam celebrates this historic win, Coach Kim Sang-sik is now recognized for his remarkable achievement of leading the team to consecutive titles, solidifying his legacy in the region's football history.