The Vietnamese baseball team climbed to 71st in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) rankings, gaining five points and moving past Malaysia, according to a mid-October update. This marks a historic leap for a sport once associated with the Japanese manga Doraemon, as the nation’s national team secured a surprise 7-6 victory over Laos in the Dream Cup 2026, a tournament validated for international ranking purposes.
The win in Laos highlighted a turning point for Vietnamese baseball. The team had previously lost 0-16 to Laos at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, but rebounded by defeating Malaysia 5-2 in the same event—a first regional victory in 14 years.
From Manga to Majors: The Rise of Vietnamese Baseball
Baseball’s journey in Vietnam began with student groups in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, who discovered the sport through Japanese manga like Doraemon. Early players used soccer fields, empty lots, and shared gloves, often learning techniques via YouTube. At one point, they even repurposed chair cushions as protective gear.
The formation of the Vietnam Baseball and Softball Federation in 2021 provided structure, leading to national leagues like the Hanoi Archers and Saigon Storm. The federation’s appointment of Yu Jae-ho, a former South Korean LG Twins player, signaled a strategic shift.
Baseball5: A New Frontier
Vietnam’s success extends beyond traditional baseball. In April 2026, the WBSC noted a 27-spot rise to 39th in the Baseball5 rankings, the steepest increase in the category’s 67-nation list. Baseball5, a five-player variant using hands instead of bats, requires minimal equipment and smaller fields, making it accessible for developing nations. Vietnam’s sixth-place finish at the March 2026 Baseball5 Asia Championship in Hong Kong further highlighted its potential.
Challenges and Progress
Despite recent gains, Vietnam’s baseball scene faces hurdles. Facilities remain limited, with many teams training on makeshift fields. Equipment shortages persist, and coaching resources are scarce. However, the federation’s efforts have created opportunities.
The team’s 2011 Southeast Asian Games fourth-place finish—behind the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand—highlighted early promise.
