Vietnamese Football: The Journey to Conquer ASEAN

Vietnamese football has experienced a turbulent yet successful 2026. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik, the national team won the AFF Cup for the third time in history, defeating Thailand 3-2 on aggregate after two thrilling legs. The second leg final at My Dinh Stadium witnessed the explosion of midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, who scored two brilliant long-range goals. This victory not only brought pride to fans but also reaffirmed Vietnam's number one status in the region. However, the road ahead is challenging. The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are approaching, and the team needs to improve their defense and maximize home advantage. Young players like Nguyen Dinh Bac and Khauat Van Khang are gradually emerging, promising a bright future. At the club level, V-League 2026 saw a two-horse race between Ha Noi FC and Cong An Ha Noi. Ha Noi FC defended their title thanks to cohesive attacking play and the brilliance of foreign striker Rafaelson. Meanwhile, Cong An Ha Noi, despite heavy investment, lacked consistency at key moments. Another highlight was the return of spectators to stadiums. After the pandemic, the passionate atmosphere returned, providing great motivation. However, Vietnamese football still faces issues such as youth training infrastructure and facility quality. Looking ahead, the Vietnam Football Federation's goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as one of Asia's top teams. This requires thorough preparation in tactics, fitness, and psychology. High-quality international friendlies are essential. The women's team also made significant progress, qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. Tactically, coach Kim Sang-sik successfully applied high pressing with fast transitions. Set-piece defense remains a weakness. In a highly competitive landscape, Vietnam needs stability and innovation. Building a talent selection system from grassroots and overseas training programs will be key. The fans' belief is a big motivation, but to realize the World Cup dream, collective effort is needed. 2026 has been a memorable year. The regional victories are a solid stepping stone. The question remains: can we sustain this momentum and step onto the world stage? The journey is long, but with what has been shown, fans have every reason to hope.