Vietnam overtakes Thailand, secures runner-up position in the continental championship.

Vietnam's futsal team ended the 2026 Continental Futsal Championship - Thailand as runners-up, going unbeaten in four matches and finishing ahead of the hosts Thailand.

Vietnam team places second in the continental tournament.

On the evening of August 6, at the Nonthaburi Indoor Stadium, Thailand took on Russia in a decisive match for the championship. Before kick-off, Vietnam led the standings with 8 points from four games, while Thailand was second with 7 points (goal difference +11) and Russia followed closely with 5 points (goal difference +5).

With only a win needed for either Thailand or Russia to be crowned champions, the home team received passionate support from the crowd. However, facing a higher-ranked opponent, Thailand's futsal team (world No. 11) could not cause an upset against Russia (world No. 7).

Russia won the title thanks to a superior goal difference over Vietnam. Photo: Changsuek

Russia secured a dominant 7-1 victory, ending the tournament with 8 points—level with Vietnam but ahead on goal difference (+11 to +4), thus claiming the championship. Thailand finished in third place with 7 points.

Remarkably, Russia's futsal team became champions even though they did not play all four matches. In the second round, New Zealand failed to take the field, resulting in a 5-0 forfeit loss.

As for Vietnam's futsal team, the runner-up finish is considered an encouraging achievement given the team's ongoing youth transition. Coach Diego Giustozzi's squad remained unbeaten, drawing 2-2 with Russia, defeating New Zealand 4-1, overcoming Afghanistan 2-1, and coming from 0-3 down to draw 3-3 with Thailand in the final match.