Vietnam made an impressive start to the tournament with a 1-0 win over Yemen in their opening Group C match. The result put Vietnam top of the group after the first round of fixtures, after the RoK and the United Arab Emirates played out a draw.

Vietnam will next face the RoK, who are considered slight favourites ahead of the encounter. However, head coach Cristiano Roland and his players are preparing carefully as they seek a positive result.

In its preview of the match, the AFC noted that Vietnam would head into the game with confidence after taking three points against Yemen. The AFC also highlighted the team’s composure in the opening match, saying another positive result would put Vietnam in a favourable position to reach the knockout stage.

A result against the RoK would greatly boost Vietnam’s chances of progressing from the group stage and securing a place at the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Vietnam captain Dang Khoa said the squad was in a relaxed but highly determined mood ahead of the match.

“We are very close to the World Cup, so the whole team will give everything and make the most of every opportunity to achieve the best possible result,” he said.

The match between Vietnam and the RoK is scheduled to kick off at 11 p.m. on May 10.

Vietnam edge Yemen 1-0 in AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 opener

VOV.VN - AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 got underway in Saudi Arabia with an impressive opening performance from Vietnam, who secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Yemen in Group C on May 6.