Southeast Asian fans react as Vietnam loses two consecutive championships

The absence of both Vietnam's U16 and U19 futsal teams from the Southeast Asian finals has attracted widespread notice, as fans across the region speak out about the changing dynamics in youth futsal.

The elimination of both Vietnam’s U16 and U19 futsal teams from the Southeast Asian tournaments quickly sparked lively debates among the regional fan community. For the first time in many years, Vietnam’s youth futsal teams missed out on the finals in two consecutive competitions, losing their chance to compete for the championship.

At the 2025 Southeast Asian U16 futsal tournament, a heavy 1-5 defeat to U16 Thailand in the crucial match cost Vietnam the power to control their fate. Despite efforts to beat Brunei in the final round, the team only finished third overall, behind Indonesia and Thailand, thus having to settle for third place. Meanwhile, the Vietnam U19 futsal team also failed to advance past the semifinals when they lost 3-7 to U19 Indonesia in a fast-paced, high-scoring match where the opponent demonstrated superior opportunity conversion.

Following these two consecutive defeats of Vietnam’s youth futsal teams, Southeast Asian fans left many mixed comments. Indonesian fan Al Kabir Kabir asserted: “Indonesia is now the new king of futsal. Vietnam is formidable, but we have surpassed them.”

Meanwhile, Thai fan Beebe Varaporn Talubnak shared: “Condolences to Vietnam; you gave your best. Thailand has always had the upper hand in futsal, and that cannot be denied.”

A Malaysian fan named Irawan The Ordinary remarked: “Vietnam dominates 11-a-side football in Southeast Asia, but futsal is a different story. Still, they have a solid foundation, especially in women’s futsal.”

Although unable to maintain their status in regional youth futsal, these defeats serve as important reminders for Vietnam’s futsal development journey. More importantly, the fighting spirit, effort until the last minute, and the experience gained from international tournaments will be the foundation for young players to mature and aim for a stronger comeback in the future.