Vietnam's national football team has returned to the world’s top 100, rising to the 99th place in the latest FIFA rankings following the March 2026 FIFA Days, according to the Vietnam Football Federation.

Striker Xuan Son celebrates his score.

Under head coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam earned 1,225.68 points, gaining nine places and 36.17 points compared to the previous update. Notably, the team were recognised by FIFA as the biggest climber in this ranking cycle.

Vietnam’s rise outpaced several other improving teams, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nepal and Bhutan, each of which climbed six places.

Meanwhile, Malaysia recorded the sharpest drop, falling 17 positions to the 138th globally after a 1–3 defeat to Vietnam in Group F of the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on March 31, along with disciplinary action from the Asian Football Confederation.

At the continental level, Asia’s top five teams remain Japan (18th), Iran (21st), the Republic of Korea (25th), Australia (27th), and Uzbekistan (50th). Globally, the top three positions are held by France, Spain and Argentina.

A notable development in this ranking cycle is FIFA’s introduction of a real-time ranking system, allowing team positions to fluctuate during matches.

Each goal in international fixtures can immediately impact ranking points, offering fans a more dynamic view of standings, although official rankings are confirmed only after all matches conclude.

Vietnam’s return to the top 100 marks a significant milestone, reflecting steady progress and improved performance, and providing momentum for higher ambitions ahead.

Vietnam defeat Malaysia 3-1 in Asian Cup qualifiers

The result confirmed Vietnam’s strong qualifying campaign, highlighted by consistent performances and attacking efficiency, with all three goals in this match coming from headers.

 

Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik targets 2-0 victory over Malaysia in Asian Cup qualifier

Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik is confident his squad will avenge a previous defeat against Malaysia, targeting a 2-0 victory in their final Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.

More than 600 teams enter Bac Ninh Robocon 2026 qualifiers

BAC NINH – More than 600 teams have qualified for the preliminary round of the Bac Ninh Robocon 2026 competition, according to the event’s Organizing Committee.

Vietnam defeat Laos 2-0 in Asian Cup 2027 qualifier

Vietnam broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Xuan Son scored from a penalty, taking his tally to eight goals in only six appearances for the national team.

 

Vietnam clinch narrow 1-0 win over Nepal in 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers

Vietnam secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nepal in the second leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on October 14, with the only goal coming from a Nepalese defender’s own goal.

 

Vietnam win 3-1 over Nepal in Group F of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers

Vietnam secured a 3-1 victory over Nepal in their 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match on the evening of October 9 at Go Dau Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.