The Vietnam national team concluded its participation in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup in fourth place following a 0-1 defeat against Malaysia in the third-place play-off on October 5, 2026. Head coach Kim Sang-sik has accepted full responsibility for the team’s performance and outcome. He has issued an apology to the fans for the disappointing result in the ASEAN Cup. The loss sees Vietnam’s ranking decline within the regional tournament. The team’s performance fell short of expectations as they were unable to secure a podium finish. This defeat marks a setback for Vietnamese football, prompting reflection on strategy and team preparation. The coach's acceptance of accountability signals a commitment to improvement moving forward.