Vietnam national team only needs a draw against Laos to advance in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

With Malaysia almost certain to forfeit two matches, Vietnam's chances of progressing are very bright.

On the evening of November 3rd, FIFA's Appeals Committee issued a decision rejecting all appeals from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalized players related to disciplinary sanctions previously imposed by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee.

Malaysia's team is still allowed to play the remaining matches in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. However, according to AFC disciplinary rules, Malaysia faces the risk of being handed 0-3 losses for their matches against Nepal and Vietnam due to fielding ineligible players.

The final decision on this matter will be made by the AFC—the organizer of the Asian Cup—after FAM completes all related legal procedures. This process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, the end date of the final qualifying round, to ensure a clear determination of the teams qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has stated it will issue penalties to Malaysia after receiving results from FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It is nearly certain that Malaysia will be handed 0-3 defeats in their matches against Vietnam and Nepal. Consequently, Malaysia will lose 6 points (currently holding 12 points), while Vietnam will gain 3 points (rising from 9 to 12 points) and take the lead in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

This situation greatly opens Vietnam’s opportunity to advance and qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. A draw against Laos in November or securing at least one point in the last two matches will guarantee Vietnam’s progression. In those final two matches, Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team will visit Laos (in November) and host Malaysia in March 2026.

FAM and the players received the decision on November 3rd. They have 10 days to request the detailed ruling and 21 days to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, even if they proceed to CAS, Malaysia’s chances of overturning the decision are extremely slim.