Vietnam fans celebrate ASEAN Cup final place

Photo courtesy of VnExpress

Thousands of football supporters filled streets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday night after Vietnam beat Malaysia 2-0 to secure a place in the 2026 ASEAN Cup final.

Late-night celebrations

Red flags, car horns and chants followed the result as fans gathered in central areas of both cities. The win, built on two goals by Nguyen Xuan Son, sent Vietnam through to meet Thailand in the final.

In Ho Chi Minh City, supporters gathered around Nguyen Hue Walking Street, while Hanoi also saw celebratory crowds. The atmosphere reflected the scale of the rivalry and the importance of the result for Vietnamese football.

Travel and traffic

Large spontaneous celebrations can quickly affect traffic in city centres, especially late in the evening. Roads around popular gathering spots can become slow-moving or temporarily difficult to cross.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

Visitors and residents should expect extra congestion around major matches and after final results. Enjoy the atmosphere from a safe position, keep valuables secure in dense crowds and allow extra time for transport if travelling near central celebration areas.

20 August 2026