Two Own Goals From Thailand Hand Vietnam The 2026 AFF Cup Championship

Vietnam retained their 2026 ASEAN Championship, also known as the 2026 AFF Cup, after playing out a 2-2 draw against Thailand in the second final leg at My Dinh National Stadium, Hanoi. With this result, the Golden Star Warriors won the tie 4-2 on aggregate against Thailand. 

Vietnam had already secured a 2-0 advantage in the first leg held at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok.

With this additional title, Vietnam have now collected four AFF Cup trophies throughout their history. They also successfully defended the crown they won in the 2024 tournament edition.

Thailand Took The Lead Twice

Thailand refused to surrender easily despite entering the match trailing by two goals on aggregate. The War Elephants started the second leg aggressively and opened the scoring in the 12th minute.

Yotsakon Burapha's powerful strike after receiving a pass from Seksan Ratree could not be stopped by Vietnam goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik. Thailand took a 1-0 lead.

Vietnam attempted to respond. Nguyen Xuan Son came very close to equalising with a header, but the ball only struck the goalpost.

Thailand created further chances through Kakana Khamyok and Wairs Choolthong, however no additional goals were scored before the first half concluded.

Thailand required two unanswered goals to overturn the aggregate scoreline.

Vietnam Equalise Via Own Goal

Early in the second half, Thailand were awarded a penalty and given an opportunity to extend their lead.

Kakana Khamyok stepped up as the penalty taker, but his shot sailed high over Vietnam's crossbar.

This miss proved extremely costly as Vietnam equalised through an own goal in the 52nd minute. A loose ball from Do Hoang Hen's strike deflected off Chatchai Bootprom before crossing the line into Thailand's goal, bringing the score to 1-1.

Thailand pushed once more for victory, finding the net in the 85th minute.

Wanchai Jarunongkran finished off a cross from the right flank to restore Thailand's advantage at 2-1.

Own Goal Seals Vietnam's Title Triumph

Drama unfolded during injury time. Thailand, who still needed a full win to claim the trophy, were fighting to hold their lead, only to concede another own goal.

In the 90+3rd minute, Wanchai Jarunongkran was once again at the centre of the action. This time, he scored an own goal that brought Vietnam level at 2-2.

This draw confirmed Vietnam had secured the championship title with their 4-2 aggregate advantage.

Celebrations erupted for Vietnam inside My Dinh Stadium.