According to the FIFA rankings published on 22/3, the Vietnam national team rose 5 spots to 103rd in the world with 1,213.62 points. This marks the team's highest ranking since reaching 94th in 12/2023. Historically, Vietnam's record remains 84th in 9/1998.

Duy Manh challenges Figueiredo during the Malaysia vs. Vietnam match in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the evening of 10/6/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

This significant change resulted from a ruling by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The AFC awarded a 0-3 loss to the Malaysia national team in two Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Nepal (25/3/2025) and Vietnam (10/6/2025), citing the use of ineligible naturalized players. On the field, Malaysia had previously won these matches 2-0 and 4-0 respectively, but these results were overturned.

For Vietnam, the previous 0-4 loss to Malaysia had significantly deducted points. With the result adjusted to a 3-0 victory, the team not only regained its lost points but also earned additional points under FIFA's Elo rating system. In total, Vietnam gained approximately 25 points, noticeably improving its ranking. In Asia, the team also climbed one spot to 18th, surpassing Kyrgyzstan.

The gap between Vietnam and the top 100 is currently more than 10 points. If they defeat Bangladesh in a friendly match on the evening of 26/3, and beat Malaysia in the final Asian Cup qualifier on the evening of 31/3, Kim Sang-sik's squad will have a strong chance to enter the top 100.

Conversely, the penalty severely impacted Malaysia. The team dropped 14 spots to 135th in the world with 1,095.90 points. This marks the second time in a short period that FIFA has adjusted Malaysia's points due to player eligibility violations. Previously, they had forfeited three friendly matches in 2025, causing their ranking to fall to 121st in 1/2026. Malaysia also fell to its lowest position since 4/2024, when they were 138th in the world.

The current FIFA ranking system uses the Elo formula, updated after each match. Team points change based on results, match importance, and the relative strength of the two sides. Therefore, adjustments from disciplinary decisions, such as those by the AFC, can cause significant fluctuations.

Under coach Park Hang-seo from 2017-2023, Vietnam consistently ranked in the top 100 globally. However, since coach Philippe Troussier took over in 3/2023, the national team gradually dropped in rank. With an 11-match winning streak across all competitions, coach Kim is now helping the team close the gap to the top 100.

Xuan Binh