Vietnam National Team unexpectedly gains a strong chance to advance after FIFA's sanction

If awarded a 3-0 victory over Malaysia, Vietnam's national team stands a very high chance of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

FIFA has penalized the Malaysian Football Association and seven naturalized players for violating registration rules during their 4-0 win against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in June 2025. Besides fining the Malaysian Football Association, these seven players will also be fined individually and suspended for 12 months.

However, FIFA has not yet addressed the match result's adjustment. Still, it is highly likely Malaysia will be handed a 0-3 loss to Vietnam in accordance with standard football regulations. According to the rules, if even one ineligible player is fielded for any reason, the team using that player will forfeit the match 0-3.

If granted a 3-0 win, Vietnam will be in a very favorable position to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Previously, after a 0-4 loss to Malaysia, Vietnam's chances of advancing were almost closed since Malaysia is their main rival in Group F. To overturn the situation, Vietnam would have had to beat Malaysia by a large margin in the return leg, which was highly unlikely.

If awarded a 3-0 victory, Vietnam would have 6 points, having earlier secured a big win against Laos in the first match of Group F, while Malaysia would only have 3 points. Coach Kim Sang Sik's team will then face Nepal twice at home in October, followed by matches against Laos in November and a rematch with Malaysia in March 2026.

With two weaker opponents, Laos and Nepal, it will be easy for Vietnam to secure all 9 points before facing Malaysia again. If awarded a 3-0 win, the "Golden Dragons" will be 3 points ahead of their rival and will also have home advantage in the return match. It will be very difficult for Malaysia to overturn the situation.

Additionally, with seven naturalized players banned by FIFA for 12 months, Malaysia’s team quality will be significantly weakened. It will be very challenging for Malaysia to compete evenly with Vietnam without these naturalized players.