However, with a 44-point gap from the top 100, the team under Kim Sang Sik still faces a long road ahead to reclaim its past ranking.

Winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup has given the Vietnamese national team a significant boost in the FIFA rankings.

The team, led by head coach Kim Sang Sik, gained the most FIFA points globally in the past month, securing 10.22 additional points after going undefeated in eight matches (seven wins, one draw).

However, despite this strong performance, Vietnam’s FIFA ranking only improves from 114th to 112th, leaving a long road ahead before it can return to the top 100, a goal last achieved under former coach Park Hang Seo.

According to Football-Ranking, Vietnam leads the list of teams with the biggest FIFA ranking points increase over the past month, followed by Kuwait, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Mauritania.

The ASEAN Cup victory has not only restored Vietnam’s dominance in Southeast Asia but also boosted confidence among fans.

Despite this progress, returning to the FIFA top 100 remains a significant challenge. Vietnam currently trails 100th-ranked Armenia by 44.14 points, a major gap that cannot be closed solely by winning matches against lower-ranked teams.

Upcoming matches may not provide enough points

 
Vietnam's FIFA ranking depends largely on its opponents' strength. In 2025, the team will compete in the final round of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, facing Laos, Malaysia, and Nepal.

Even if Vietnam wins all four matches, the FIFA points gained will be minimal due to the lower ranking of these opponents. A single draw or loss could significantly hinder the team’s climb toward the top 100.

Under former head coach Park Hang Seo, Vietnam made history by breaking into the top 100 in 2018, reaching a peak of 93rd in November 2020, and maintaining 96th place until his tenure ended in early 2023.

To replicate Park Hang Seo’s success, Vietnam must not only dominate weaker teams but also secure victories or draws against higher-ranked Asian powerhouses, similar to its memorable performances in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

FIFA ranking: A crucial factor for future tournaments

Vietnam’s FIFA ranking plays a key role in determining its seeding for the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

A higher ranking means a more favorable draw, increasing the team's chances of advancing further in major competitions.

While the path to the top 100 will not be easy, the ASEAN Cup triumph provides a strong foundation for Vietnam’s resurgence.

With a steady approach and continued success, the "Golden Star Warriors" could achieve their goal within the next two years.

Dai Nam