At home, the Vietnamese team had a 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the second leg of the semi-finals. This result helped coach Kim Sang-sik's team win the final 4-0 to enter the final. One day earlier, the Thai team had entered the final, despite losing to Singapore 1-2 at home (winning the final 4-3).
Vietnam vs Thailand is the dream match of ASEAN Cup 2026, when both teams created new records. This is the 3rd consecutive time the two teams have met in the final of the region's number one tournament. Thailand defeated Vietnam in the 2022 final but lost 2 years later. In 2008, Vietnam also met Thailand in the final and won 3-2 overall.
In the FIFA rankings, Thailand is ranked 90th in the world, 9 places above Vietnam. However, in terms of force and current form, Mr. Kim Sang-sik's team is rated higher.
The Vietnamese team is on a 24-match unbeaten streak, lasting from the end of 2024. The last time the Vietnamese team lost was a 1-2 defeat to Thailand in a friendly match in September 2024. At ASEAN Cup 2026, Quang Hai and his teammates are also unbeaten in 6 matches played.
With the Thai team, they lost 1 match at this year's ASEAN Cup. This achievement ends the previous 10-match unbeaten streak that they created under the guidance of coach Anthony Hudson. Although there are some veteran players such as Sarach Yooyen or Narubadin, in general, the team's playing experience and squad quality are not as good as Vietnam's.
This is the 12th time the Thai national team has qualified for the ASEAN Cup final. They have won 7 times in 1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2022. "War Elephants" have also successfully defended their titles 3 times in the past. These are all records of this playground.
For the Vietnamese team, this is the 6th time the team has qualified for the final after 1998, 2008, 2018, 2022, 2024. This achievement is equal to Indonesia and only behind Thailand. If they defeat Thailand in this year's final, the Vietnamese team will become the 3rd team to successfully defend this title after Thailand and Singapore. This also helps our team equal Singapore's achievement of 4 ASEAN Cup championships.
With coach Kim Sang-sik, he has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of other famous strategists such as Kiatisuk or Alexandre Polking... to win 2 consecutive regional championships, if he and his team win this year's tournament.
Meanwhile, this is Anthony Hudson's first time participating in the ASEAN Cup. He is facing the opportunity to win this playground for the first time as well as help Thailand reach the highest podium for the 8th time.
Those things show that Vietnam vs Thailand deserve to create the most anticipated final of this year's ASEAN Cup. The winning team is also a firm affirmation of the number one position in Southeast Asian football.
The first leg final between Vietnam and Thailand will take place on August 22nd in Bangkok. 4 days later, the two teams will play the second leg.
