Vietnam is placed in the same group as Malaysia in the men's football event at SEA Games 33.

In Group B of the men's football at SEA Games 33, Malaysia U22 and Laos U22 are considered manageable opponents for Vietnam U22, as we have defeated these teams multiple times in regional competitions. In two of the last three editions, Vietnam U22 (sometimes U23) also faced Laos and won in the group stage.

The match between Vietnam U22 and Malaysia U22 is attracting much attention currently. Recently, Malaysian football has been shaken by FIFA accusing them of illegally naturalizing 7 players in the match against Vietnam during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Malaysia suspects that the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) reported this to FIFA. However, FIFA’s investigation is independent and not related to any federation. The meeting of the two youth teams now is seen as a fateful encounter.

The gold medal in men's football is the target for the team led by coach Kim Sang-sik. Previously, Vietnam U22 successfully completed two major tasks in 2025 by winning the Southeast Asian U23 Championship and securing a spot in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship final tournament.

The men's football event at SEA Games 33 will take place from December 3rd to 18th. Group stage matches will be held in Songkhla and Chiang Mai. The two semifinals will be played at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok, Thailand).

SEA Games 33 men’s football rules require teams to use U22 squads (players born on or after January 1, 2003) with no overage player allowances.

Thailand is the most successful team in the history of men's football at SEA Games with 16 gold medals. Vietnam has won twice, in 2019 and 2022. At SEA Games 2023, Vietnam U23 took bronze while Indonesia U23 are the defending champions.

The draw results for the men's football tournament at SEA Games 33:

Group A: Thailand, Cambodia, Timor Leste.

Group B: Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos.

Group C: Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore.