Fans take to streets to celebrate Vietnam’s victory over Thailand in 2026 ASEAN Cup final first leg

Many foreign tourists also joined the exuberant celebrations in the streets.

Vietnam took a major step toward defending their title with a decisive 2-0 victory over hosts Thailand in the first leg at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok last night, putting one hand on the trophy.

In Ho Chi Minh City, central streets including Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, Dong Khoi and the area around Ben Thanh Market were awash with the red and yellow colors of the national flag.

Fans dressed in red shirts bearing the yellow star, carried horns and drums, and repeatedly chanted ‘Vietnam are champions.’

Many parents carried young children on their motorbikes as they merged into the jubilant crowds.

In Hanoi, the number of people taking to the streets was smaller than usual because of prolonged heavy rain brought by storm Narra, the fourth storm to hit the East Vietnam Sea this year.

Nevertheless, the celebrations remained lively in several areas, including Kim Lien Underpass.

Despite the rain, many fans still ventured outside, joining the streams of supporters and creating vibrant scenes across the capital.

The celebrations were equally enthusiastic in Can Tho City, southern Vietnam.

Large numbers of supporters gathered around the well-known Ninh Kieu Wharf area and along downtown streets, carrying flags and banners and turning the heart of the Mekong Delta city into a boisterous football festival.

In the central city of Da Nang, residents also began pouring into the streets to celebrate the victory.

Along major central streets, the red of the national flag filled the crowds, accompanied by the sound of horns, drums, and chants of ‘Vietnam are champions.’

The celebrations transformed the area along the Han River into an emotional night of football festivities.

In Nha Trang, a popular tourist destination of Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam, Tran Phu Street was lit up in red as crowds took to the streets to celebrate.

Car horns and loudspeakers playing the song ‘Nhu co Bac Ho trong ngay vui dai thang' (As If Uncle Ho Were Present on the Joyous Day of Great Victory), a popular revolutionary song, mingled with chants of ‘Vietnam are champions.’

Quoc Bao, 24, a resident of Nha Trang Ward, said he had prepared flags and horns since the afternoon so he could take part in the celebrations after the match.

Vietnam’s victory over Thailand in the first leg not only gives the national team an advantage but also strengthens supporters’ confidence ahead of the return leg.

From north to south, millions of Vietnamese hearts are now beating as one, rallying behind the national team in the hope of seeing them lift the 2026 ASEAN Cup trophy.