The FIFA’s World Ranking (Photo: VFF)

Meanwhile, their all-time best ranking remains 84th, achieved in September 1998.

The improvement came after points were restored following developments in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification. The Asian Football Confederation ruled that Malaysia forfeited two matches - against Nepal and Vietnam - with 0-3 scorelines due to player eligibility violations. As a result, Vietnam regained 13.91 points, bringing their total to 1,213.62 points.

Vietnam are scheduled to play a friendly against Bangladesh on March 26 before facing Malaysia again in their final Asian Cup qualifying match on March 31. If head coach Kim Sang-sik’s side maintain their momentum, they could soon return to the world’s top 100.