What does the Vietnamese team need to do to get a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup finals?

After the fourth round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Group F is now a two-horse race between the two most promising candidates, Vietnam and Malaysia.

The 5-1 comeback win over Laos helped Malaysia maintain the top spot with 12 points. Meanwhile, despite defeating Nepal 1-0 at Thong Nhat Stadium, Vietnam still has only 9 points, temporarily ranked second. The two teams behind, Laos (3 points) and Nepal (0 points), have been eliminated from the race.

According to the regulations, only the group winner will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. In case two teams are equal on points, the head-to-head record will be considered first, followed by goal difference.

Vietnam Nepal 8.jpg — Vietnam team (white shirt) had 2 hard-fought victories against Nepal - Photo: Huu Ha

Therefore, Vietnam's 0-4 defeat to Malaysia in the first leg at Bukit Jalil Stadium made the opportunity for coach Kim Sang Sik and his team much more difficult.

While waiting for the AFC and FIFA's decision on Malaysia's illegal naturalization scandal, the "Golden Star Warriors" still have to try their best in the remaining qualifying rounds.

In the remaining two matches, the Vietnamese team will visit Laos and then host Malaysia at home - a match considered the "group F final".

Vietnam must beat Laos to improve their goal difference and hope Malaysia stumbles against Nepal in the next round. Then, the rematch in Binh Duong will decide the top spot in the group and the only ticket to Saudi Arabia.

Despite facing a big challenge, the opportunity is not yet closed. If Vietnam takes advantage of the home field and performs at its best, the Vietnamese team can completely turn the tables, turning the seemingly predetermined race into a spectacular comeback against Malaysia.