Vietnam U23 welcomed home by fans after Asian Cup campaign

Head coach Km and his players arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi after a long journey from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a stopover in Doha, Qatar.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 2

Head coach Kim is among those receiving the warmest welcome, after guiding Vietnam to a third-place finish by defeating South Korea 7-6 in the playoff match.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 3

The Korean coach appears visibly moved, waving in appreciation to the large number of fans who gather at Noi Bai International Airport to welcome the team home.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 4

Midfielder Hieu Minh, suffering a serious injury, has to move with the assistance of a wheelchair.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 5

Midfielder Hieu Minh’s mother breaks down in tears upon seeing her son arrive in a wheelchair.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 6

A large crowd of fans gather at Noi Bai International Airport to welcome the U23 Vietnam team, making it difficult for the players to move through the terminal and reach their team bus.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 7

Fans carrying drums arrive early to greet the team and celebrate Vietnam’s third-place finish at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 8

Fans express delight at the progress shown by the U23 generation under head coach Kim Sang-sik.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 9

Supporters carry both Vietnamese and South Korean flags, creating a distinctive atmosphere, underscoring their solidarity and confidence in the coaching staff.

vietnam u23 welcomed home by fans after asian cup campaign picture 10

As the team bus pulls away from the airport, head coach Kim Sang-sik waves once more in farewell. The third-place finish at the continental level has reignited belief and raised expectations for the future of Vietnamese youth football.