Vietnam earned an additional 5.89 ranking points following a 2–0 victory over Laos in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on November 19, bringing their total to 1,189.51 points. With this increase, Vietnam are among the teams showing the strongest upward movement in the latest FIFA rankings, alongside Singapore.

The result further consolidates Vietnam’s position in Southeast Asia and provides a positive foundation for the upcoming continental and international ambitions. The team continue to be regarded as one of the most stable and progressively improving national sides in Asia.

At the continental level, the top three Asian teams remain unchanged, with Japan ranked 18th globally, followed by Iran (20th) and the Republic of Korea (22nd).

FIFA noted that Vietnam’s improved ranking reflects the team’s growing stability, consistent performance, and effective accumulation of points under head coach Kim Sang-sik. The Golden Star Warriors are now closing in on the world’s top 100, a positive sign amid increasingly intense competition across Asia.

Within Southeast Asia, Thailand dropped one place to 96th globally. In contrast, Malaysia recorded the steepest decline in the December rankings, falling five places to 121st worldwide and losing 22.52 points - the largest point deduction of any team in this ranking cycle.

Malaysia’s drop follows a series of off-field controversies, including disputes related to naturalized players, which resulted in FIFA awarding three matches as losses to the Malaysian side. Should appeals prove unsuccessful, Malaysia may face additional sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), including further match forfeitures in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, potentially leading to a deeper fall in the rankings.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s next official match will be a home fixture against Malaysia in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled for March 31, 2026. After five matches, Malaysia currently lead the group with 15 points and a goal difference of +14, while Vietnam sit second with 12 points and a goal difference of +6.

AFC Nations League proposal to expand opportunities for Vietnam

VOV.VN -Vietnam’s national football team could gain more regular international match opportunities during FIFA international windows as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) considers launching an AFC Nations League, a new competition modeled broadly on Europe’s UEFA Nations League.