After victories over Indonesia in the semi-finals and Thailand in the final, the FIVB rankings have shifted, with Vietnam's men's volleyball team climbing one place to 58th in the world on 73.58 points.
The milestone is a memorable one for Vietnamese men's volleyball, marking the first time the team has moved above Thailand in the rankings and underlining the strong progress made by coach Federico Rampazzo and his players in recent months.
Vietnam's volleyball team has risen to 58th in the world rankings (Photo: Volleyball Thailand).
With SEA V.Cup 2026 counting towards the FIVB ranking system, Vietnam's title carries significance beyond a regional trophy. Each win over direct rivals has helped improve the team's points tally, lifting Vietnam to the highest position among Southeast Asian sides apart from Indonesia.
The SEA V.Cup 2026 crown also secured Vietnam a place at the AVC Cup 2027 and brought a string of individual honours, notably Nguyen Ngoc Thuan's double of best player of the match and best outside hitter.
Federico Rampazzo has also made an immediate mark after replacing his predecessor Duong Dinh Tien and taking charge of the national team only two months ago.
Federico Rampazzo has transformed Vietnam's men's volleyball team since taking over (Photo: Sava).
The Italian coach has shown a keen ability to draw out each player's strengths. He is constantly taking notes on how both his players and their opponents handle the ball, while using time-outs at key moments, often when Vietnam trail by three or four points, to halt the opposition's momentum, adjust tactics and remind his players of specific technical issues.
After SEA V.Cup 2026, Vietnam's men's volleyball team will turn its attention to the Asiad 20 competition programme. Buoyed by this latest title, fans will believe Rampazzo's players have a chance to spring a surprise at the continental tournament, even if the challenge will be far from easy.