Vietnam National Team climbs FIFA rankings, could leap further if Malaysia's appeal fails

According to the newly released FIFA rankings this morning, Vietnam's national team has slightly improved its position by moving up one spot. However, under coach Kim Sang Sik, the team could make a significant jump closer to the Top 100 if Malaysia's appeal is unsuccessful.

Vietnam continues to approach the FIFA Top 100

After a 2-0 victory in Laos during the penultimate round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Vietnam did not gain additional points due to the low ranking of their opponent. Nonetheless, Kim Sang Sik’s squad still advanced one rank on the FIFA chart because neighboring teams Tanzania and Kenya lost points following defeats in November.

Not only Vietnam, but Thailand and Malaysia also made progress this month. Thailand rose one place to 95th, maintaining their regional lead after wins against Sri Lanka (4-0) and Singapore (3-2), earning 7.91 points. Malaysia climbed two spots to 116th thanks to a 1-0 win over Nepal. Meanwhile, the "Malayan Tigers" remain firmly atop Group F in the Asian Cup qualifiers with a perfect 15 points, three points ahead of Vietnam.