Win over Malaysia lifts Vietnam to No. 99, signaling renewed momentum in Southeast Asia football
Vietnam’s return to the FIFA Top 100 is more than a ranking milestone—it reflects Southeast Asia’s growing competitiveness in global football and hints at rising commercial and sporting opportunities in one of Asia’s fastest-developing markets.
Vietnam climbed five places to No. 99 in the latest FIFA rankings after a decisive 3–1 victory over Malaysia in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Goals from captain Đỗ Duy Mạnh and a brace by striker Nguyễn Xuân Son secured a perfect qualifying campaign, adding 9.67 points and bringing the team’s total to 1,225.67.
The jump sees Vietnam surpass teams such as Tajikistan, Trinidad & Tobago, Mozambique, and El Salvador, marking its highest ranking since late 2023. While still below its historical peak of No. 84 in 1998, the rebound underscores a broader recovery after slipping as low as No. 119 in 2024. Under head coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam has delivered 13 consecutive wins across competitions, signaling a disciplined rebuild and renewed tactical identity.
Regionally, Vietnam now ranks 17th in Asia and second in Southeast Asia, trailing only Thailand, which climbed to No. 93 following a win over Turkmenistan. The reshuffle also pushed China down to No. 94, highlighting a shifting balance of power within Asian football. At the top of the global rankings, France national football team leads, followed by Spain and Argentina, reflecting continued dominance by European and South American giants.
Despite the momentum, Vietnam’s short-term ranking upside may be limited. The team is expected to skip the June FIFA international window to prioritize domestic competition, with focus shifting to the ASEAN Cup later in July. However, matches in that tournament carry minimal FIFA ranking weight, potentially slowing further upward movement.
FIFA rankings, calculated using an Elo-based system, remain a critical determinant for tournament seedings and international visibility. For Vietnam, reentering the Top 100 is not just symbolic—it strengthens its positioning for future draws, sponsorship appeal, and global recognition.
The key question now is whether Vietnam can convert this ranking resurgence into sustained competitiveness on the continental stage. As Southeast Asia’s football ecosystem matures, Vietnam’s trajectory may offer a blueprint—or a warning—for emerging markets aiming to break into the global game.
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Source: Vietnam Insider