The race for semi-final places became even tougher after Laos withdrew shortly before the draw, affecting the calculation of results for second-placed teams.

Group B includes Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, while Group C features Australia, Cambodia and the Philippines. As Group C has only three teams, organisers said results against the bottom-placed sides in Groups A and B will not count when comparing second-placed teams.

The format leaves Vietnam likely needing to finish top of the group to secure a direct place in the semi-finals, with the June 7 clash against hosts Indonesia expected to be crucial.

Vietnam are competing with a squad largely made up of players born in 2008 who previously took part in the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals. This generation also suffered a 0-5 defeat to Indonesia at the 2024 ASEAN U16 Championship.

Indonesia, meanwhile, have several highly rated young players after defeating the Republic of Korea (RoK) U17 team to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Under Japanese coach Yutaka Ikeuchi, Vietnam are currently training and playing friendly matches in Japan from May 18 to May 26 ahead of the tournament in Medan, Indonesia, from June 1 to June 13.

Vietnam open their campaign against Timor Leste on June 1 before facing Myanmar on June 4 and Indonesia on June 7.

Vietnam U19 drawn with hosts Indonesia in ASEAN U19 Boys’ Championship

VOV.VN - Vietnam U19 have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Myanmar and Timor-Leste at the ASEAN U19 Boys’ Championship 2026 following the draw on May 7.