Vietnam's football team has successfully defended its title at the ASEAN Championship 2026, overcoming a strong challenge from Thailand. In the second leg, held at home, Vietnam drew 2-2, but their 2-0 victory in the first leg in Bangkok secured a 4-2 aggregate win. Under the passionate support of home fans, coach Kim Sang-sik's team achieved their first back-to-back championship and their fourth overall title in Southeast Asia.
According to Vietnamese media, on August 26, at Hanoi's My Dinh Stadium, Vietnam drew 2-2 with Thailand in the second leg of the ASEAN Championship 2026 final, confirming their victory with a 4-2 aggregate score. Having won the first leg 2-0 on August 22 at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium, Vietnam started the second leg in a favorable position, knowing they could lose by a goal and still win the title.
The early momentum in the second leg was with Thailand, who scored first in the 12th minute through a powerful shot from Yocha Kon Burapha. After conceding, Vietnam sought counterattack opportunities under pressure. Thailand continued to push for a second goal with long-range shots from Seksan Ratree.
In the early second half, a pivotal moment arose when, in the 47th minute, Pham Suan Main fouled Kaka Na Kamyok in the penalty area, giving Thailand a chance for a penalty kick. Had Kaka Na converted, the aggregate score would have been tied. However, his shot went over the crossbar.
Then, in the 52nd minute, substitute Phan Tuan Tai delivered a cross that Do Hoang Hen shot, hitting the post. The ball deflected off Thailand's goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom and into the net for an own goal, leveling the score at 1-1 and restoring Vietnam's two-goal aggregate lead.
Coach Kim made attacking changes in the 67th minute, bringing on captain Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Hai Long, both of whom had scored in the first leg. Shortly after their introduction, Hai Long's shot hit the crossbar, and Quang Hai's follow-up went wide.
Thailand reignited their hopes late in the match. In the 85th minute, substitute Wanchai capitalized on a mistake by Truong Tien Anh to score from close range, making it 2-1. At that point, Vietnam led 3-2 on aggregate, with Thailand needing just one more goal to equalize.
The final twist came in stoppage time. As Thailand pressed for an equalizer, Wanchai inadvertently scored a second own goal while attempting to clear a ball aimed at Suan Son. This brought the score to 2-2, sending My Dinh Stadium into a frenzy. The final whistle confirmed Vietnam's fourth ASEAN Championship title, following victories in 2008, 2018, and 2024.
This victory marks another milestone for coach Kim Sang-sik, who has now led the Vietnam national team to four regional titles, including the ASEAN Championship in 2024, the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championship, and the 2025 SEA Games. Notably, this championship was secured at home, making it particularly significant.
In a post-match press conference, Kim admitted he did not expect to achieve consecutive titles. “Honestly, I didn’t think we would keep succeeding like this. The previous three titles were won away, but this time we won at home. I’m very happy, but I don’t know how I’ll get home today because everyone is out celebrating, and there will be traffic,” he said.
However, he also offered a candid assessment of the match. Kim acknowledged that Vietnam focused more on defense than attack in the first half, which affected their performance. He noted that the early goal by Thailand and the penalty incident created a challenging situation, but the own goal helped restore the players' confidence.
Kim described feeling immense pressure immediately after the victory, recalling a lighthearted comment made by President Lee Jae-myung during a visit to Vietnam earlier this year, where he joked, “The king of Vietnamese football is Sang-sik.” Kim added, “For today, I want to declare myself the king of football.”
Reactions from Vietnamese fans reflected a mix of joy over the victory and critiques of the team's performance. Some fans referred to Kim as a “wizard” for leading the team to victory in crucial moments. One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed gratitude to Kim for guiding Vietnam to a second consecutive title.
Others highlighted Kim's impressive track record, with one user commenting, “Is Kim Sang-sik really a lucky charm? Winning back-to-back titles is incredible.” Reflecting on the dramatic equalizer from an own goal just before the end of the match, another fan remarked, “The 26-match unbeaten streak was almost broken, but it ended with an own goal. Now I believe in Kim Sang-sik’s magic.”
However, some voices criticized the team's performance. One user pointed out that while Thailand scored four goals, two were own goals by Vietnam, stating, “All the goals were scored by Thailand, but Vietnam won.” Another user noted that had Thailand converted their penalty, the cup would have gone to them, suggesting that based on the second leg alone, Thailand performed better.
Additionally, one fan expressed disappointment, saying, “I don’t know why I’m not happy even though we won,” while another commented, “There were no spectacular goals, just own goals and luck.” Some fans lamented the numerous mistakes and frustrating attacking play despite lifting the trophy.
Following the victory, cities across Vietnam were awash in red. Citizens poured into the streets waving the national flag and chanting “Vietnam Bodik” and “Vietnam Koren” to celebrate. Fireworks in the national colors lit up the sky, and the sounds of horns, vuvuzelas, drums, pots, and pans created a festive atmosphere.
In major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, streets were filled with crowds and motorcycles well into the night. Despite heavy traffic, drivers joined in singing the refrain of Vietnam's national victory song, “On this joyful day of great victory, it feels like Uncle Ho is with us,” while waving both the red flag and the South Korean flag in gratitude to coach Kim for elevating Vietnam to the pinnacle of Southeast Asian football.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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