Great success of Vietnamese football in 2025

The year 2025 marked a major breakthrough for Vietnamese football, with achievements that surpassed expectations. In total, Vietnam sent seven teams to Asian-level finals across the senior national team and various youth categories - an unprecedented accomplishment in the country’s football history.

At senior level, head coach Kim Sang-sik guided Vietnam to victory at the 2024 ASEAN Cup, defeating Thailand away from home in January. The triumph marked Kim’s first major title since taking charge of the national team.

Building on that success, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) entrusted Kim with leading the U23 team at the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship as defending champions. The young Vietnamese side delivered an outstanding campaign, overcoming all opponents to claim the title and become the first team in history to win the tournament three consecutive times.

In December, at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 33) in Thailand, the Korean coach continued his impressive run with the Vietnam U22 team. After a dominant group-stage performance, Vietnam defeated the Philippines in the semi-finals before edging Thailand 3–2 in a thrilling final to secure the gold medal in men’s football.

In December at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 33) held in Thailand, the Korean coach continued to make his mark with an impressive performance from the Vietnam U22 team. After a convincing run in the group stage, Vietnam gained a victory over the Philippines in the semi-finals, before trouncing Thailand 3-2 in the final to bring home a gold medal in the men’s football.

The SEA Games 33 gold medal helped Vietnamese men's football in particular, and Vietnamese football in general, conclude 2025 on a high note.

Talking to VOV.VN, Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation Tran Anh Tu affirmed that 2025 was one of the most successful years in the history of Vietnamese football. The national team claimed the ASEAN Cup title, while the U23 side won the ASEAN U23 Championship. Meanwhile, the U22 and U23 teams delivered a series of impressive performances in both regional and continental competitions. According to Tu, these achievements have significantly enhanced the reputation and standing of Vietnamese football.

Youth development has been widely regarded as the key factor behind this sustained success. Youth tournaments have been organised in an increasingly systematic and professional manner, improving overall quality and helping to identify and nurture many promising talents. This new generation of players has played a crucial role in the achievements of Vietnam’s national teams across different age groups.

Coach Kim Sang-sik has the opportunity to make history

The momentum from 2025 carried into the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, where coach Kim Sang-sik and his players continued to impress.

Entering the tournament with the goal of progressing beyond the group stage, Vietnam exceeded expectations. The team won all three of their qualifying matches, including a notable victory over tournament hosts and title contenders Saudi Arabia.

In the quarter-finals, Vietnam extended their winning run with a victory over the UAE to reach the semi-finals. Although they fell to China in the last four, the team responded strongly by defeating South Korea in the third-place play-off to secure a historic bronze medal.

While they could not replicate their runner-up finish at the 2018 AFC U23 Asian Championship in Changzhou, China, Vietnam’s performance in Saudi Arabia earned widespread praise from experts and international media, further cementing their growing stature in Asian football.

The success at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup not only reaffirmed Vietnam’s status as one of Southeast Asia’s leading men’s football powerhouses, but also further elevated its reputation on the continental stage.

However, the journey of coach Kim Sang-sik and his players is far from over. From now until the end of 2026, Vietnamese football will continue its ambitious campaign with two major targets: the ASEAN Cup 2026 and the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD 20).

Should Kim guide the national team to successfully defend their ASEAN Cup crown, he would surpass the achievements of his predecessor, Park Hang-seo. Moreover, if Vietnam can deliver a strong performance at ASIAD 20, the Korean strategist could etch his name even deeper into the history of Vietnamese football by setting new milestones for the sport.

Vietnam beat South Korea on penalties to finish third at AFC U23 Asian Cup

VOV.VN - 10-men Vietnam defeated South Korea 7-6 on penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time early on January 24, securing third place at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 and marking one of the country’s strongest performances at the continental level.