FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 results: Thailand reach final after Vietnam win, Pakistan claim unlikely point

FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 results: Group stage action in the ongoing FIFA ASEAN Cup is reaching its climax, with Thailand taking on Vietnam and the Philippines playing Pakistan.

Thailand 2-0 Vietnam

Thailand got a measure of revenge against Vietnam after beating them in the Group B encounter to book their place in the FIFA ASEAN Cup final. About a month earlier, Vietnam had bested them to lift their second ASEAN Championship in a row.

The opening exchanges appeared even until Thailand took the lead in the 10th minute. A cross from the right side was cleared, and the ball fell to Thai captain Sarach Yooyen. The veteran midfielder unleashed an unstoppable strike from 25 yards out that beat Vietnam goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik.

The Golden Star Warriors came into the match unbeaten in their last 27 games in a stretch that goes back to two years, and they were not ready to see that run end. Cao Pendant Quang shot over the bar with his chance in the 25th minute, and forward Nguyen Tai Loc thought he drew his side level in the 37th minute.

Vo Hoang Minh Khoa sent Tai Loc through on goal, and he found the back of the net after chipping Thai goalkeeper Saranon Anuin. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

In the second half, despite making three attacking changes, Kim Sang Sik’s side didn’t trouble the Thai defence much. In fact, the War Elephants came closer to going ahead in the 52nd minute.

Yooyen saw his free-kick from 20 metres away strike the post as they piled on the pressure. Vietnam did have another opportunity moments later, but Nguyen Hoang Duc was unable to put his laces through the ball inside the box and the shot was calmly collected by Anuin.

At the other end, Peeradol Chamrasamee nearly put the game to bed with 10 minutes left. His sharp header from a cross was brilliantly kept out by Le Giang with a reflex save. Thailand did eventually seal the three points and place in the final in stoppage time.

Substitute Chaiyaphon Otton found himself through on goal and swept the ball home to end their rivals’ long unbeaten run.

Philippines 2-2 Pakistan

Pakistan produced a spirited comeback to stun the Philippines in their FIFA ASEAN Cup Group B match. The 2-2 draw in Bandung marks Pakistan’s first-ever point in a FIFA tournament 

Things looked bleak for the South Asian side, more known for its cricketing history than football, at the start. Philippines controlled the game early on at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. Pakistan weathered the storm for the most part, with defender Mohibullah Afridi turning a dangerous low cross out for a corner and goalkeeper Yousuf Butt making a close-range save from André Leipold.

Philippines then went ahead in the 25th minute through a scrappy goal. A cross from right-back Paul Tabinas was headed perfectly, but Afridi managed to turn it onto the bar, only for Sandro Reyes to poke it into the goal. Seven minutes later, the Azkals doubled their lead.

A corner in the 30th minute saw a handball in the box by Mohammad Fazal, and Bjørn Kristensen made it 2-0 from the spot. Carles Cuadrat’s side had the chance to further extend their advantage, but Pakistan were able to keep the scoreline restricted.

The Falcons made a flying start after the interval. Less than two minutes into the half, captain Abdullah Iqbal played in Ali Akbar Khan on the left side, and the forward held off the defender before slotting in a tight finish past Kevin Mendoza.

Boosted by the goal, Nolberto Solano’s side pushed Philippines to the back and saw midfielder Hayyan Khattak shoot wide. They finally had their reward just over the hour mark. 23-year-old forward Abdul Arshad drove into the box and skipped past a challenge to beat Mendoza at the near post with a left-footed strike.

Both sides had late chances to take all three points but had to settle for a draw. For the Philippines, the outcome will hurt after being comfortably ahead at halftime. This also likely puts an end to their FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign. Pakistan, on the other hand, have a lot to rejoice over. A point against ASEAN Championship regulars is a massive achievement, that too coming from two goals down.

Mind you, Philippines had given a good account of themselves in their opening game, losing narrowly by a single goal against Vietnam. They also sit 63 places above Pakistan in the FIFA World Rankings. Thus, the draw in Bandung will go down as one of Pakistan football’s most remarkable results in recent memory.

READ MORE: FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 results: Malaysia win easy, Indonesia beat Singapore in opener