The record-breaking winning streak for coach Kim Sang-sik's team began on 21/12/2024 with a 5-0 victory against Myanmar at Viet Tri Stadium during the ASEAN Cup group stage. The last team to avoid defeat against Vietnam was the Philippines, securing a one-one draw in Manila just days earlier, also in the ASEAN Cup group stage.

Tuan Hai celebrates Vietnam's opening goal in their three-nil win against Bangladesh at Hang Day Stadium, O Cho Dua Ward, Hanoi City, on the evening of 26/3. *Photo: Giang Huy*

Following the win over Myanmar, Vietnam defeated Singapore with scores of two-nil and three-one in the two-leg semifinals. Coach Kim's team then overcame Thailand with two-one and three-two victories in the final. The national team continued its impressive run by beating Cambodia two-one in a friendly, before achieving a perfect record in the five Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers: five-nil against Laos, three-nil against Malaysia, three-one and one-nil against Nepal, and two-nil against Laos. The three-nil victory against Bangladesh at Thien Truong Stadium on the evening of 26/3 extended the team's winning streak to 12 matches.

During this streak, the national team has scored 34 goals, including a three-nil walkover victory against Malaysia at Bukit Jalil Stadium. The team conceded only six goals throughout this period, averaging 0,5 goals per match.

Previously, the national team's longest winning streak was six matches, achieved in 2022 under coach Park Hang-seo against Afghanistan, Singapore, India, the Philippines, Laos, and Malaysia. This streak was halted by a one-one draw against Singapore in the AFF Cup 2022 group stage.

Coach Kim's current winning streak also stands as a Southeast Asian record. The best performances by other teams in the region include nine consecutive wins by Indonesia between 1968 and 1969, Thailand from 1995 to 1996, and Singapore from 2004 to 2005. Vietnam is also the only team to extend its winning run across three calendar years, from 2024 to 2026.

Myanmar's longest winning streak in history was eight matches, achieved between 1971 and 1972, while Malaysia recorded six-match streaks in 1975 and 1986.

The victory against Bangladesh on the evening of 26/3 also earned the national team an additional 2,38 FIFA points, maintaining its 103rd position globally. If they secure another win against Malaysia in the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at Thien Truong Stadium on the evening of 31/3, the team will extend its winning streak to 13 matches and is likely to re-enter the FIFA Top 100.

Xuan Binh