Following the national team’s shock defeat to Malaysia in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, all eyes have turned to Vietnam’s U23 squad. More than just a youth tournament, the 2025 AFF U23 Championship presents a chance to rebuild confidence and spark a revival in Vietnamese football.

For head coach Kim Sang Sik, the tournament in Indonesia is both a title race and a testing ground for his rejuvenation strategy. His current 28-man squad includes rising talents such as Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Van Truong, and Nguyen Quoc Viet, players already seasoned through major youth and senior tournaments.

A key highlight this time is the inclusion of new faces like Bui Alex, who plays for Bohemians Praha 1905 in Europe, and young goalkeeper Nguyen Tan from Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Kim is pursuing a blend of experience and freshness, and this championship will be the first real gauge of that approach.

Vietnam enters the tournament as two-time defending champions (2022 and 2023), with a potential hat-trick on the horizon. A successful title defence would not only restore public confidence after recent setbacks, but also reaffirm the country’s standing as a regional leader in youth development and competitive grit, especially as rivals like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia ramp up their investments in youth football.

In addition to the immediate goal of winning, the tournament holds long-term significance. Many of the current U23 players are expected to form the backbone of the senior team in the next two to three years.

A successful AFF U23 campaign would help shape the national team’s future with fresh talent, instead of continuing to rely on familiar faces.

U23 Vietnam to avoid Thailand, Indonesia as group host in 2026 qualifiers

VOV.VN - Vietnam will host one of the qualifying groups for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, meaning coach Kim Sang Sik’s side will not be drawn against several strong teams, including Thailand and Indonesia.