Thailand gained 4,52 points from three victories against Laos (+0,99 points), Malaysia (1,75), and the Philippines (1,79). This achievement elevated the team to 91st in the world, their highest ranking in over 18 years, since reaching 90th in March 2008. Their current total stands at 1.255,32 points, solidifying their position as the one team in Southeast Asia.

Thailand celebrates after defeating the Philippines in the fourth match of Group B, ASEAN Cup 2026, in Capas, Tarlac province, Philippines, on the evening of 4/8. Photo: Changsuek

Thailand also pushed China (1.254,81 points) down to 92nd globally. This marks the first time Thailand has surpassed China in the FIFA rankings since June 2004, when the Southeast Asian representative was 61st and China was 64th.

Over the past 22 years, both teams' rankings have declined significantly. This is partly due to the progress of other nations with stronger physical foundations. With increased investment in football, these countries have advanced more rapidly, pushing Southeast Asian and Chinese representatives lower in the rankings.

While the ASEAN Cup 2026 does not fall within a FIFA Days window, it still contributes to FIFA points, albeit with the lowest possible weighting of five. In comparison, friendly matches during FIFA Days carry a weighting of 10. Consequently, victories during FIFA Days events, such as the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup, will earn teams double the points compared to the ASEAN Cup.

In Group A, Vietnam secured a 7-0 victory against Timor Leste, drew 0-0 with Singapore, and then defeated Indonesia 3-0. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team earned an additional 2,30 points but remained at 99th globally, with a total of 1.229,50 points. The gap between Vietnam and Thailand currently stands at 25,82 points, which is roughly equivalent to 11 wins against Indonesia.

This indicates that Vietnam will find it challenging to unseat Thailand as the one-ranked team in Southeast Asia in the FIFA rankings, regardless of whether they defend their ASEAN Cup championship. Nevertheless, the FIFA ASEAN Cup in September will provide Vietnam an opportunity to test Thailand's strength, as both teams are in the same group, alongside the Philippines and Pakistan.

Looking ahead, both teams also have an opportunity to compete in the ASEAN Cup 2026. Vietnam and Thailand are almost certain to top their respective groups. Therefore, if both advance past the semifinals, they will meet again in the final, similar to the previous tournament when Vietnam won 5-3 overall.

As the ASEAN Cup is not a FIFA Days event, FIFA has not yet announced immediate point changes for Southeast Asian teams. Points will be updated during the next FIFA Days period, in September.

Xuan Binh