Vietnam needs 2 wins, defeating Malaysia by at least 4 goals
Malaysia beat Nepal 1-0 to move up to 15 points and create a 6-point gap with Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team must win both remaining matches, including the rematch against Malaysia in March 2026, which requires a minimum difference of four goals. The lawsuit over 7 naturalized players could change the situation if FIFA intervenes.
The six-point gap after Malaysia’s 1-0 win over Nepal has left Vietnam with only one way left: win both of their last two matches, and in the rematch in March 2026, they must defeat Malaysia by at least four goals to level the score and surpass them in the head-to-head record. The immediate task is to get three points on the field in Laos on the evening of November 19 to maintain their hopes of catching up.
Score and head-to-head stats
Malaysia took advantage of their home advantage to beat Nepal 1-0 in the fifth round, thereby reaching the 15-point mark and creating a 6-point gap with Vietnam before Kim Sang Sik's team visited Laos. The weight of the 0-4 defeat in the first leg at Bukit Jalil put Vietnam in a tough position: if the two teams are equal on points, the head-to-head record is given priority, so Vietnam needs a win with a minimum difference of four goals in the rematch to reverse the balance.
In that context, every remaining minute of the Group F qualifiers became a test of tactical discipline and concentration. The match against Laos was not only a must-win mission, but also an opportunity to adjust the playing tempo and efficiency in finishing before considering a plan to reclaim what was lost against Malaysia.
A side door from the Malaysian lawsuit
The race is not over yet due to a variable outside of the professional. Malaysia is facing pressure from a lawsuit related to the use of seven naturalized players of unknown origin. If FIFA confirms the violation, they risk losing 0-3 in the two matches against Nepal and Vietnam. At that time, the situation of Group F could change significantly, opening the way for Vietnam to chase the goal of finishing first in the group.
However, that is a scenario that depends on external judgment. Vietnam cannot rely on luck but needs to focus on what it can control: maximum scores in the remaining areas.
For now: 3 points in Laos
This is a familiar opponent and also an opportunity to close out 2025 with a victory. In terms of competition, the priority is to maintain a high tempo, minimize defensive errors and make good use of clear opportunities. A clean, error-free match will help Vietnam create psychological momentum for March 2026.
With the head-to-head record in mind, performance in key situations – from dead balls to transitions – will determine how well you stack up against Malaysia. Win first, then talk about how you win.
Human factor: the return of Xuan Son
Vietnam has Xuan Son back in this training session. The addition of personnel at a time when the international season is entering a fierce phase will help coach Kim Sang Sik have more options to manage the workload and adjust the rhythm of the game when needed.
Key milestones of the race
| Mold | Information |
|---|---|
| Malaysia round 5 results | Beat Nepal 1-0, got 15 points |
| Distance from Vietnam | 6 points before Vietnam's match in Laos (evening of November 19) |
| First leg | Malaysia 4-0 Vietnam at Bukit Jalil |
| Return requirements | Vietnam needs to beat Malaysia by at least 4 goals in March 2026 |
| Discipline variables | Malaysia faces lawsuit involving seven naturalized players; if FIFA confirms violations, risks losing 0-3 to Nepal and Vietnam |
Necessary conditions for Vietnam
- Win all 3 points against Laos to maintain the chase.
- Prepare a plan for the rematch with Malaysia to achieve a minimum difference of four goals.
- Monitor but do not depend on the developments of the lawsuit that may affect the situation in Group F.
The race in Group F is still open. Accumulating points on your own is the only foundation to ensure hope, before waiting for variables – if any – from outside the field.
