Vietnam successfully defended their ASEAN Hyundai Cup title on August 26, 2026, holding Thailand to a 2-2 draw in the second leg at Hanoi’s Mỹ Đình National Stadium to secure a 4-2 aggregate victory and claim their fourth regional championship in history.
Hanoi Final at Mỹ Đình National Stadium
The regional showdown reached its dramatic climax in the Vietnamese capital, where Vietnam secured a fourth title and drew level with Singapore in the all-time list, sitting three titles behind their fierce rivals. The result capped a tense two-match battle that marked the third ASEAN Championship final between the two Southeast Asian powerhouses. Early Thai Breakthrough and Missed Opportunities
Bangkok First Leg and First-Half Action
Trailing 2-0 from the opening leg at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium—where Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai scored for the visitors—Thailand mounted an immediate challenge. Thailand made a strong start when Yotsakon Burapha opened the scoring in the 12th minute after receiving a pass from Seksan Ratree, who created space on the right. Waris Choolthong’s centre from the right was met by Seksan Ratree, whose layoff from inside the penalty area found Yotsakon unmarked to lash a first-time shot towards goal, beating Patrik Lê Giang to his right despite the goalkeeper’s best efforts. Seksan sought to add a second five minutes later but his attempt from distance flew wide. Seksan was at the heart of his side’s constant quest for the equaliser, the Port FC midfielder volleying over from 20 yards as Thailand continued to dominate the opening period. Vietnam came close to leveling before halftime when Nguyen Xuan Son’s header from Truong Tuan Tai’s cross struck the post in the 43rd minute. No further goals were scored until the end of the first half, leaving Thailand with a 1-0 scoreline. But the momentum shifted shortly after halftime. Referee awarded a penalty in the 47th minute after Pham Xuan Manh brought down Kakana Khamyok in the box, but Khamyok sent his spot kick over the crossbar, missing a crucial chance to level the aggregate score. Chatchai’s Misfortune and the Decisive Own Goals
Chatchai Bootprom and Wanchai Jarunongkran Own Goals
Vietnam punished that missed opportunity in the 52nd minute. Tuan Tai’s cross found Do Hoang Hen in the box, and his one-touch shot struck the right post before deflecting off goalkeeper Chatchai Bootprom and into the net. The goal was later officially recorded as an own goal by Chatchai, restoring Vietnam’s two-goal cushion. Vietnam grew more dangerous after the equalizer, with Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai coming on in the 68th minute. Hai Long struck the post shortly after his introduction and later forced another save from Chatchai, while Quang Hai also came close. Thailand refused to fold. Thailand continued to push forward and was rewarded in the 85th minute when Wanchai Jarunongkran finished an early cross to make it 2-1 on the night. However, any hopes of a late equalizer forcing extra time were put to an end in stoppage time. In the third minute of added time, Quang Hai sent the ball forward on a counterattack toward Xuan Son. Jarunongkran attempted to clear it but directed the ball into his own net, restoring Vietnam’s two-goal aggregate lead. The referee blew the final whistle moments later, confirming Vietnam’s triumph. Defensive Resilience and Victory Honors
The chaotic finish sealed a 2-2 draw on the night and a 4-2 aggregate triumph for Kim Sang-sik’s side. The defending champions collected a winners’ cheque of US$500,000 alongside the trophy, successfully defending the tournament for the first time having previously won in 2008, 2018 and 2024.
