The Vietnam Football Federation has been shortlisted for the Diamond category of the AFC's 2026 Member Association of the Year award. China and Thailand are the other two associations nominated, VFF reported on October 17.
The AFC released its list on October 16. The shortlist precedes the ceremony and does not establish a winner.
Development background
VFF's announcement highlighted international hosting, national-team development and the domestic competition system. It recalled Vietnam's third-place finish at the 2026 Asian U23 championship and its first qualification for the U17 World Cup.
Those achievements provide background to the nomination rather than representing awards newly won on October 17.
The federation also described AFC-standard coach education, referee development and cooperation in sports medicine and anti-doping. Support for local associations forms another part of its stated development work.
Women's football initiatives mentioned included an U14 festival and work with FIFA to improve administrators' capabilities. These activities are distinct from a particular national team's match results.
Ceremony scheduled in Bangkok
AFC Awards Bangkok 2026 is scheduled for November 19 at Aksra Theatre King Power. According to VFF, Thailand will host the annual event for the second time after Bangkok's 2017 edition.
Other member-association categories include Platinum, Gold and Ruby, alongside awards recognising grassroots football and regional associations.
The thirtieth ceremony will honour individuals, teams and organisations contributing to Asian football. Vietnam's confirmed position at this stage is membership of the three-association Diamond shortlist. The final award remains to be announced at the future event.