The ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final is set, and it will be a familiar one: defending champions Vietnam will meet seven-time winners Thailand in a repeat of the 2024 title decider. For Singapore fans, the news comes with a sting, as the Lions were edged out by Thailand in the semi-finals.
Vietnam march into the final
Kim Sang-sik’s Vietnam completed a 4-0 aggregate victory over Malaysia, sealing their spot with a 2-0 win in the second leg of the semi-final in Hanoi on Wednesday night. Nguyễn Xuân Son was the difference-maker, striking twice, in the 62nd and 89th minutes, to be named Hyundai Player of the Match.
The result underlines Vietnam’s status as the team to beat as they look to defend the crown they lifted in 2024.
Heartbreak for the Lions
Thailand booked their place in the title decider a day earlier, edging Singapore 4-3 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 2-1 in Bangkok. It was a spirited fightback from the Lions, but ultimately not enough to overturn the first-leg deficit, ending a memorable campaign at the semi-final stage.
ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final fixtures
The final will be played over two legs:
- Leg 1: Saturday, 22 August 2026, Thailand v Vietnam, Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, 8pm (SGT).
- Leg 2: Wednesday, 26 August 2026, Vietnam v Thailand, Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Hanoi, 8pm (SGT).
A milestone edition
The ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and a Vietnam-Thailand final is a fitting showpiece for the region’s premier football competition. Both sides have built their runs on depth and discipline, and the two-legged format promises a tense finish.
For more of our coverage, revisit how Singapore set up their semi-final against Thailand, look back at the road to the semi-finals, and read our profile of Vietnam playmaker Nguyễn Quang Hải.
The stage is set. When the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final kicks off in Bangkok, the region will be watching to see whether Vietnam can retain their title or Thailand can reclaim theirs.
