The Vietnamese team created an important advantage in the ASEAN Cup 2026 championship race when defeating Thailand 2-0 in the first leg final at Rajamangala stadium on the evening of August 22. Hai Long and Quang Hai scored in the second half, helping coach Kim Sang-sik's team have a safe distance before the decisive match at My Dinh.
With this result, the championship scenario is within reach of the Vietnamese team. In the second leg taking place at 8 pm on August 26, at My Dinh Stadium, the home team will be crowned if they win, draw or even lose by a goal difference. In case Thailand wins by exactly 2 goals, the two teams will have to play extra time and can decide the championship by penalty shootout. Only when they win with a difference of 3 goals or more, Thailand can reverse the situation in 90 minutes.
The biggest advantage of the Vietnamese team is not only in the 2-goal gap but also in the ability to control the match and keep a clean sheet at Rajamangala. Two goals in 7 minutes by Hai Long and Quang Hai helped the away team create a turning point, while pushing Thailand into a position where they were forced to play offensively in the second leg.
Before the match in Bangkok, the Vietnamese team had an impressive journey at the ASEAN Cup 2026. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team defeated Malaysia in the semi-finals with a total score of 4-0, including a 2-0 victory in the second leg at My Dinh Stadium.
The victory over Thailand continues to consolidate the position of the Vietnamese team in the confrontation with the biggest opponent in the region. This is also the third consecutive time the two teams have met in the ASEAN Cup final. Previously, Thailand won the championship in 2022, and Vietnam won the championship in 2024.
If successfully defending the advantage at My Dinh, the Vietnamese team will have their fourth ASEAN Cup championship in history. In particular, defeating Thailand right on the away field helps coach Kim Sang-sik's team have complete initiative in the second leg.
However, the 2-goal gap is not absolute guarantee. Thailand will definitely have to push up the squad from the beginning at My Dinh and look for goals to narrow the gap. Therefore, the most important task of the Vietnamese team is to maintain concentration, avoid allowing the opponent to score an early goal and take advantage of the space when Thailand is forced to attack.
If no surprises occur, My Dinh Stadium on August 26 may become the place where the Vietnamese team completes their journey to defend the throne. After a 2-0 victory at Rajamangala, the door to the ASEAN Cup 2026 championship is widening for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team.
