Vietnam Rises to 71st in WBSC Rankings After Dream Cup Run in Laos
Rising four spots to 71st in the World Baseball and Softball Confederation rankings, the Vietnamese national baseball team collected three wins and a second-place finish at the Dream Cup 2026 in Laos. Led by head coach Yu Jae-ho, the squad secured a 7-6 comeback victory over host Laos in its opening match—marking the team’s first win against that opponent after a 0-16 defeat at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. The tournament in Laos expanded the sport’s reach back home as fans followed the team’s matches.
Mercy Rule Win and Tournament Results in Laos
Vietnam dominated Mongolia twice during the competition, posting a 16-6 victory before securing a 15-0 shutout. The latter match ended after five innings via the mercy rule, which stops play when a team leads by roughly 15 runs. The squad’s offense maintained strict control, plating 15 unanswered runs while holding Mongolia scoreless. Following a subsequent 2-16 loss to host Laos, Vietnam settled for second place overall with a final tournament record of three wins and one defeat under the guidance of Yu Jae-ho.
Roster Depth and International Additions Under Yu Jae-ho
Korean manager Yu Jae-ho integrated fresh talent alongside core veterans who competed at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. The roster additions included American-Vietnamese athletes Won Seongnam from the Devil Bats Club and Hennessy Tran from the Ho Chi Minh City Thunder Club. These acquisitions brought roster depth, intensified competition for starting positions, and expanded tactical options for the coaching staff. The blend of experienced players and newcomers strengthened the team’s overall professionalism and established a more stable playing style.
East Asia Baseball Cup Awaits in Manila
With ranking points secured from the tournament in Laos, the Vietnamese federation positions the team for upcoming international competition. In December, the squad is scheduled to participate in the East Asia Baseball Cup 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The tournament gives Yu Jae-ho’s roster an opportunity to test its tactical developments against top continental opponents. Federation officials note that establishing a regular national league, structured training environments, and a professional coaching framework remain essential steps to sustain long-term growth for the program.
Earlier coverage: Vietnam National Baseball Team Climbs to 71st in World Ranking After Dream Cup Success
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