The Vietnam national football team claimed its fourth regional title and achieved its first-ever consecutive championship by defeating Thailand 4-2 on aggregate in the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup final. Under the guidance of head coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam secured a 2-2 draw in the second leg at Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hanoi, building upon a 2-0 victory in the first leg held at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Vietnam Secures First Regional Title at ASEAN Hyundai Cup
The tournament, widely known as the “World Cup of Southeast Asia,” rebranded as the Hyundai Cup in its 30th anniversary year following a change in title sponsorship, as reported by Hankyung. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the second leg in Hanoi to watch the match and participate in the official presentation ceremony. With this victory, Vietnam captures its fourth overall regional title following previous championships in 2008, 2018, and 2024, successfully defending the trophy against Thailand, the region’s most successful team with seven titles.
Dramatic Finale and Extended Unbeaten Run
The second leg in Hanoi featured a tense sequence of events, starting when Vietnam defender Nguyễn Văn Bùi was forced off by an injury in the 9th minute and replaced by Phan Tuấn Tài, as detailed by Yonhap News Agency. Thailand capitalized shortly after when Yotsakon Burapha scored the opening goal in the 12th minute. Although naturalized Brazilian forward Nguyễn Xuân Sơn hit the crossbar with a header before halftime, Vietnam equalized in the 7th minute of the second half when a shot from naturalized forward Đỗ Hoàng Hên deflected off the crossbar and goalkeeper Chatchai Bootprom into the net.
After Thailand reclaimed the lead in the 40th minute through a goal by Wanchai Jarunongkran, a late own goal by Wanchai during stoppage time locked in the 2-2 draw and secured the aggregate victory for Vietnam. The result extended Vietnam’s unbeaten A-match streak to 26 games, consisting of 22 wins and 4 draws. Following the final whistle, celebrations erupted across major Vietnamese cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hải Phòng, where fans waving national flags and South Korean flags gathered to honor coach Kim Sang-sik.
Captain Nguyễn Quang Hải Sets Historic Milestone
Midfielder and team captain Nguyễn Quang Hải reached a personal milestone by becoming the first Vietnamese player to win three ASEAN Cup titles, achieving victories across an eight-year span in 2018, 2024, and 2026. According to Kenh14, Quang Hải previously won as a 21-year-old under coach Park Hang-seo in 2018—where he earned tournament MVP honors—and contributed to the 2024 title under Kim Sang-sik.
In the 2026 tournament, Quang Hải contributed a crucial volleyed goal in the 69th minute of the first leg in Bangkok to help establish the 2-0 advantage. Having previously surpassed Công Vinh’s appearance record, the captain has now accumulated 88 caps and 16 goals for the national team.
