The National University of Malaysia wins the 2026 International Student Youth Football Championship.

The season concluded with many professional highlights and a spirit of sports exchange among students from countries in the region. This year's tournament ran from March 28th to April 5th, gathering 6 student teams from Vietnam and several Southeast Asian nations.

In the Third Place match, Svay Rieng University of Cambodia defeated Nha Trang University with a score of 2-1, thereby securing the Bronze Medal.

In a speech at the ceremony, the Organizing Committee congratulated the two outstanding teams participating in the final match, while also acknowledging the efforts of Svay Rieng University for achieving third place overall. The Organizing Committee expressed hope that the teams had wonderful experiences in Nha Trang, thereby contributing to fostering friendship among students from Southeast Asian countries.

In the Final, Thuy Loi University started more proactively. From the early minutes of the first half, the Vietnamese representative continuously launched attacks towards the goal of the National University of Malaysia and soon scored the opening goal, 1-0. After conceding, the National University of Malaysia quickly regrouped, played more solidly in midfield, and increased pressure in attacking situations. By the 25th minute, the Malaysian team scored an equalizer, 1-1, bringing the match back to a balanced state. The remaining minutes of the first half proceeded at high speed. Both teams fiercely contested, creating a back-and-forth battle and showcasing the professional quality of the two teams rated highest in the tournament.

Since the two teams were tied after the official playing time, the Final had to proceed into extra time. The match situation during this period continued to be tense, with heightened caution. Neither team could capitalize on opportunities to decide the match, so the championship had to be determined by a penalty shootout.

According to the Tournament regulations, this is the method to determine the winner in Semi-final and Final matches if the teams are tied after 80 minutes of official play.

In the penalty shootout, the National University of Malaysia defeated Thuy Loi University with a score of 7-6, thereby winning the championship of the 2nd International Student Youth Football Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup.

The award ceremony took place immediately after the Final in a solemn atmosphere. According to the prize structure announced by the Organizing Committee, the champion team receives the Cup, medals, a plaque, and $6,000; the runner-up team receives medals, a plaque, and $4,000; the third-place team receives medals, a plaque, and $2,000. Additionally, the tournament awarded subsidiary titles including the Fair Play Award, Top Scorer, Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Best Referee Team, and Best Player per match.

According to the Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper, journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan, the 2nd International Student Youth Football Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup concluded with many exciting matches, contributing to enhancing sports exchange, solidarity, and friendship among students from countries in the region. The competition days at Nha Trang University Stadium became beautiful memories of peace, friendship, and the dedication aspirations of Southeast Asian youth.