Asian Cup 2027: Vietnam has a wide open door if Malaysia loses the lawsuit
The CAS ruling could deduct 6 points from Malaysia and add 3 points to Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team would then only need at least 1 point against Laos on November 19. Singapore will decide their fate with Hong Kong.
A single ruling from CAS could change the situation of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers: if Malaysia loses the case, Vietnam will be awarded 3 points and only need not lose to Laos in Vientiane on November 19 to almost secure a ticket. On November 18-19, Southeast Asia has the opportunity to increase the number of representatives in the continental tournament.
Singapore – a fulcrum from direct confrontation
Singapore entered the match on the evening of November 18 with 8 points, equal with Hong Kong and 6 points ahead of Bangladesh. The 0-0 draw in the first leg against Hong Kong gives Singapore an advantage if they win the rematch: they will move up to the top spot and have the advantage in the head-to-head match – a factor that could be decisive. That scenario puts Singapore very close to a place in the 2027 Asian Cup.
Group F – Vietnam waits for CAS, Malaysia faces risks
In Group F, the race between Malaysia and the Vietnamese team will not only be decided on the field. Malaysia has filed a lawsuit to CAS regarding the two matches against Nepal and Vietnam, with allegations of using ineligible players raised during the proceedings. The possibility of Malaysia winning the lawsuit, according to the source, is low; AFC affirmed that it will comply with the final conclusion of CAS.
Key Score Scenario
| Script | Impact on Malaysia | Impact on Vietnam | Consequences of Asian Cup 2027 tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia beat Nepal, Vietnam did not beat Laos; CAS sided with Malaysia | Up 15 points | 9-10 points depending on the result with Laos | Malaysia almost finalized tickets, Vietnam is at a disadvantage |
| Malaysia loses case at CAS | Minus 6 points, from 12 to 6 | Added 3 points, up to 12 before the match against Laos | Just need at least 1 point against Laos (November 19) to open the door wide |
In an unfavorable scenario for Malaysia at CAS, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team have the right to make strong decisions. A 13 or 15 point mark after the match in Vientiane is enough for Vietnam to surpass Malaysia in the race for a ticket to the finals.
Overall view of Southeast Asia
Indonesia has already secured its place thanks to its performance in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. If Singapore decides early against Hong Kong and Vietnam completes its target points against Laos in the context of CAS unfavorable for Malaysia, Southeast Asia could add one or two representatives to the 2027 Asian Cup.
The two-day rhythm is decisive.
- November 18: The Singapore - Hong Kong match could establish a new order in the group stage as Singapore has the advantage in terms of mentality and points.
- November 19: Vietnam visit Vientiane; this result, combined with the CAS ruling, could be the decisive step for a ticket to the finals.
Two factors – the results on the field and the legal balance – make Group F an important knot. If the balance tilts in Malaysia’s direction and they are awarded two defeats, Vietnam’s trajectory is clear: preserve the game, minimize risks and take 1 point against Laos. Conversely, if Malaysia beats Nepal and keeps the same score, the pressure will shift to Vietnam with the requirement to win to keep their hopes alive.
In that picture, the AFC’s affirmation of its compliance with the CAS ruling significantly narrows the possibility of a legal “overturn” for Malaysia. On the pitch, the alertness in Vientiane will be the decisive detail in helping Vietnam turn their theoretical advantage into reality at the 2027 Asian Cup.
