During the March 2026 FIFA international window, Vietnam gained a total of 12.05 ranking points, including 2.38 points from a match against Bangladesh and 9.67 points from the win over Malaysia. In addition, FIFA earlier awarded Vietnam a 3–0 result in a previously disputed match against Malaysia, further boosting their ranking.

With these accumulated points, Vietnam now has 1,225.67 points, climbing nine places from 108th to 99th in the world rankings.

At the continental level, Vietnam are currently ranked 17th in Asia. In Southeast Asia, the team sit second behind Thailand (93rd globally), while staying ahead of Indonesia (122nd), the Philippines (135th), Malaysia (138th), and Singapore (147th).

Vietnam had maintained a stable position in the top 100 for several years under former head coach Park Hang-seo. However, a series of poor results under Philippe Troussier saw the team’s ranking drop sharply in early 2024, falling from 94th to 115th.

Since taking charge, head coach Kim Sang-sik has led a steady recovery. Despite a challenging start, with only one win in his first four matches, Vietnam gradually rebuilt form. By October 2024, the team had even dropped to 119th, marking one of its lowest points in recent years.

The turnaround came as the coaching staff established a more effective tactical system and a stable squad. The addition of naturalised players such as Nguyen Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen also contributed to the team’s improved performance.

Since October 2024, Vietnam has gone unbeaten in 17 consecutive matches, including a remarkable streak of 13 straight wins. This run began with a 5–0 victory over Myanmar at the AFF Cup 2024 and continued through to the recent win over Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Vietnam have also demonstrated strong performances away from home, securing victories against key regional rivals such as Singapore and Thailand on their home grounds.

The only defeat in more than a year was a 0–4 loss to Malaysia, a match later reviewed by FIFA due to eligibility issues involving multiple naturalised players. Following the investigation, the result was overturned in Vietnam’s favour as a 3–0 win.

FIFA rankings play a crucial role in international competitions, particularly for seeding in tournaments such as the World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup. A higher ranking increases the likelihood of more favourable draws.

Moreover, rankings reflect the overall strength of a national football programme. Currently, Vietnam are among eight of the top nine Asian teams in the FIFA rankings already securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iraq remain still in contention via the intercontinental play-offs.

Vietnam beat Malaysia 3-1 to top Asian Cup 2027 qualifying group

VOV.VN - The Vietnam national team secured a 3-1 win over Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium in Ninh Binh province, northern Vietnam, in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.