Vietnam claim ASEAN Cup 2026 title after 2-2 second-leg draw with Thailand

Carrying a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Vietnam suffered an early setback when defender Van Vi was forced off due to injury in the 10th minute, prompting coach Kim Sang Sik to bring on Tuan Tai.

Thailand exploited the adjustment on the left flank to open the scoring in the 12th minute, as Yotsakorn unleashed a powerful strike inside the penalty box that beat goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang despite his touch.

Conceding the goal, Vietnam pushed forward to attack, but goalkeeper Chatchai played solidly in the first 45 minutes. Late in the first half, Xuan Son’s header struck the crossbar in the 43rd minute. Thailand held a 1-0 lead after the first 45 minutes.

The second half opened with drama when Thailand earned a penalty following a foul by Xuan Manh on Kakana in the box. However, Kakana blazed his spot-kick over the bar in the 48th minute, turning the momentum. Just four minutes later, Hoang Hen’s first-time shot struck the post and bounced off goalkeeper Chatchai into the net, leveling the match at 1-1 and extending Vietnam’s aggregate lead to 3-1.

Forced to take risks, Thailand restored hope in the 85th minute as Jarunongkran scored to put the visitors ahead 2-1 on the night, narrowing the aggregate score to 3-2.

However, in the third minute of stoppage time (90+3'), Jarunongkran, in an attempt to clear the ball, inadvertently sliced it into his team's net to equalize at 2-2. The final whistle confirmed a 4-2 aggregate victory for Vietnam, with coach Kim Sang Sik and his team officially winning the ASEAN Cup 2026.

This marks the fourth time in Vietnamese football history that the nation has won the regional championship, following titles in 2008, 2018, and 2024. The trophy stays at My Dinh once again, capping an emotional journey for head coach Kim Sang-sik and his team, and serving as a meaningful gift to fans.

Some photos featuring jubilant celebrations as Vietnam win the ASEAN Cup 2026 title: 

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