Malaysia moves up in FIFA rankings, Vietnam keeps 111th place
Malaysia improved its FIFA ranking without playing; Thailand went up to 95, Indonesia down to 123; Vietnam kept 111 and could get 25 points if it wins 3-0 against Malaysia.
Malaysia has improved its position in the FIFA rankings despite not playing in the FIFA Days in November. The change from Namibia's 0-1 defeat to Comoros helped Malaysia move up one place, now ranking 117th in the world. In Southeast Asia, Thailand moved up thanks to a friendly win, Indonesia dropped one place, while Vietnam remained at 111th with 1183.62 points. If a disciplinary scenario involving Malaysia occurs, it could create a significant change in Vietnam's score.
Malaysia moves up in rankings without playing, thanks to changes in opponents
The leagues were suspended for FIFA Days in November, but the FIFA rankings still moved. Malaysia, who played no friendlies and only one official match against Nepal in the Asian Cup qualifiers this time around, improved their ranking. The momentum came from Namibia dropping two places after a 1-0 loss to Comoros, which helped Malaysia rise to 117th in the world.
This development shows the sensitivity of the FIFA rankings to the results of the surrounding teams on the neighboring points range. For Malaysia, not playing but still rising in rank is a "plus" in spirit before entering the official match against Nepal.
Southeast Asia situation: Thailand up to 95, Indonesia down 1 place, Vietnam stable
In the region, Thailand benefited immediately from a 3-2 friendly win over Singapore on November 13, adding 3.13 points and moving up two places to 95th in the world. Indonesia, which decided not to play any friendly matches in November after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the fourth round, dropped one place to 123rd.
Vietnam continues to maintain its 111th position in the world with 1183.62 points. In the context of direct opponents wavering, maintaining the score creates a foundation for short-term goals in November and beyond.
Disciplinary scenario could change the score picture
The possibility of Malaysia being disqualified for using 7 illegally naturalized players is a big variable. According to sources, these players played in 4 wins: Nepal (2-0), Vietnam (4-0), Singapore (2-1), Palestine (1-0). If the above results are disqualified, Malaysia risks losing up to 70 points in the FIFA rankings.
For Vietnam, the scenario is3-0 win over Malaysiawill have a significant impact. According to Football Ranking's calculations: Vietnam will be returned 13.02 points deducted for losing 0-4 and added 11.98 points thanks to the result of winning 3-0, a total of about 25 points. At that time, Vietnam's score will increase from 1183.62 to 1208.62, expected to rise to 104th place in the world.
The door to returning to the top 100 will therefore be more open if Vietnam continues to achieve good results in the two upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers: against Laos in November and against Malaysia in March 2026. However, all calculations still depend on the final decision regarding Malaysia's matches.
Notable numbers
- Malaysia: up 1 place, 117th in the world; no friendly matches in November.
- Thailand: won friendly match 3-2 against Singapore on November 13, added 3.13 points, ranked 95th.
- Indonesia: dropped 1 place to 123rd after not playing a friendly match.
- Vietnam: ranked 111th with 1183.62 points; can add about 25 points if awarded a 3-0 win over Malaysia.
With just a few days of FIFA Days in November, the rankings have already moved in ways that few expected. The remainder of the training camp – and the decisions regarding Malaysia – will determine the final picture of Southeast Asia in the rankings.
