After five gripping sets in an emotional final, Vietnam defeated Thailand 3-2 to win a SEA V Cup leg for the first time. The triumph was made even more significant by coach Federico Rampazzo’s side overcoming the region’s two strongest opponents, Indonesia and Thailand, in succession.

After four consecutive years of competing in Southeast Asia’s SEA V Cup, Vietnam’s men’s volleyball team finally has its championship. It was a richly deserved reward for Ngoc Thuan and his teammates.

Beyond the title, the Vietnamese players also collected several individual awards. Most notably, outside hitter Ngoc Thuan, who scored 98 points during Vietnam’s run to the top of the region, was named both Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Outside Hitter. Tran Duy Tien also received the Best Middle Blocker award.

The 2026 SEA V Cup title brought Vietnam more than a historic moment of pride. It also lifted the national team one place to No. 58 in the world with 73.58 points, officially moving ahead of Thailand, which has 70.16 points, in the FIVB world rankings.

Following their impressive 2026 SEA V Cup campaign, Vietnam’s men’s team will have another opportunity to compete at the 2027 AVC Cup, a continental tournament featuring leading teams from across Asia.

For now, Vietnam is turning its attention to the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan this September. After what they achieved at the 2026 SEA V Cup, Rampazzo’s men will be looking to spring another surprise on the continental stage.

Dai Nam