Vietnam’s Asian Cup 2027 hopes hinge on AFC ruling

Vietnam currently hold 12 points and a +6 goal difference after five matches in the final qualification round, trailing Malaysia, who have 15 points and a +14 goal difference.

The two teams will meet again in the final Group F match in Hanoi in March.

Vietnam lost 0-4 in the first leg, meaning they must win by at least five goals to top the group and secure the only direct qualification spot.

Such a margin is widely considered impossible under current circumstances.

However, Vietnam may still progress if Malaysia are docked points for allegedly fielding ineligible naturalized players.

According to the regulations, AFC will deduct six points, corresponding to Malaysia’s wins over Vietnam and Nepal, if the Football Association of Malaysia fails in its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

If the penalty is upheld, Vietnam would immediately gain three points, moving to 15 and overtaking Malaysia in the standings.

In that scenario, Vietnam would qualify directly for the Asian Cup 2027 before the final matchday, and the return leg in March 2026 would become a formality.

The final qualifying round features 24 teams divided into six groups of four, competing in home-and-away fixtures between March 2025 and March 2026. 

Only the group winners earn tickets to the tournament in Saudi Arabia.