Vietnam completed the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a perfect record, defeating Malaysia 3-1 at Thien Truong Stadium on March 31. The result earned the team an additional 9.67 FIFA points, taking their total to 1,225.67.
From their previous position of 103, Vietnam overtook Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Mozambique and El Salvador to reach 99th. This marks their highest ranking since reaching 94th in December 2023. The team’s all-time best remains 84th, achieved in September 1998.
Vietnam spent the period from 2012 to 2018 outside the top 100. Under Korean coach Park Hang-seo, they re-entered the group in November 2018 and maintained their place until April 2024. In recent years, their lowest position was 119th in October 2024. Since Korean coach Kim Sang-sik took charge, the team has risen steadily, recording 13 consecutive wins across all competitions.
Vietnam are currently ranked 17th in Asia and second in Southeast Asia. Thailand remain the region’s top side at 93rd with 1,252.14 points. Their 2-1 win over Turkmenistan in Bangkok on March 31 lifted them one place, pushing China down to 94th.
France lead the world rankings with 1,877.32 points. Spain have dropped to second after a 0-0 friendly draw with Egypt. They are followed by Argentina, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Brazil, Morocco, Belgium and Germany.
In Asia, Japan are the highest-ranked team at 18th globally, followed by Iran, South Korea and Australia.
Vietnam will next assemble for the ASEAN Cup, scheduled from July 24 to August 26. As the tournament falls outside FIFA Days, it carries the lowest weighting for ranking points, meaning significant improvement in their position is unlikely during the competition.
