Vietnam, Thailand could meet in 2026 ASEAN Championship final

If that scenario materializes, it would be a dream final for the ASEAN region, pitting two of Southeast Asia's strongest footballing nations against each other.

Vietnam and Thailand met in the final of the 2024 ASEAN Championship.

Under coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam defeated the ‘War Elephants’ 5-3 on aggregate, winning 2-1 in the first leg before securing a 3-2 victory in the return match to claim their third ASEAN Championship title.

A repeat final between Vietnam and Thailand appears highly plausible.

In the semifinals, Vietnam and Thailand are set to face Malaysia and Singapore, respectively.

Vietnam and Thailand may be favored to advance, but both will need to exercise caution if the much-anticipated showdown in the final is to materialize.

Historically, Vietnam and Thailand have met 31 times, with Thailand winning 18 matches, drawing eight, and losing five.

However, their recent clashes have been much more evenly matched.

In their last five encounters, each side recorded two wins and one draw.

The two teams have faced each other three times in the ASEAN Championship final, formerly known as the AFF Championship or AFF Cup, in 2008, 2022, and 2024.

Vietnam held the better record in those finals, winning twice in 2008 and 2024 to lift the trophy.

According to the schedule, the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Championship semifinal between Malaysia and Vietnam will be played on August 16 at Malaysia’s home ground.

Three days later, on August 19, the two teams will meet again in the second leg at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi.

The 2026 ASEAN Championship, Southeast Asia's premier men's international football tournament, runs from July 24 to August 26, featuring 10 teams divided into two groups.

Vietnam competed in Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste, while Group B consisted of Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos.

My Dinh Stadium hosts Vietnam's home matches during the tournament.

As reigning champions, coach Kim’s side entered the tournament with the goal of reaching the final and successfully defending their regional title.