The semi-final clash between the Southeast Asian and East Asian representatives í scheduled to take place at 22:30 on January 20 (Vietnam time), drawing significant attention from regional media and football fans.

Speaking at the press conference, Vietnam’s head coach Kim Sang-sik expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and determination ahead of the match. The Korean coach said Vietnam have made thorough preparations in terms of tactics, physical conditioning and mental readiness, aiming for the best possible result to secure a place in the final. He also shared his wish to face the Republic of Korea in the championship match.

Assessing the opponents, Kim described China as a formidable challenge, as they advanced to the semi-final match with an exceptional defensive record, having not conceded a single goal after four matches. They even overwhelmed Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals after the penalty shootout.

However, Kim stressed that Vietnam would continue to play with intensity, resilience and ambition.

On the Chinese side, head coach Antonio Puche Vicente praised Vietnam’s performances at the tournament, noting the team’s speed, technical ability and tactical discipline. He also acknowledged Vietnam’s physical advantage due to a more favourable match schedule.

Nevertheless, Puche said China had carefully studied their opponents and prepared appropriate tactical plans for the semi-final.

In terms of head-to-head record at the U23 level, the two sides have been evenly matched, with three wins, two draws and three losses each. In official competitions, however, Vietnam previously suffered defeats against China at the 2000 Olympic qualifiers. Since 1999, six subsequent meetings, mostly friendlies, have produced more positive results for Vietnam, including wins in 2009, 2019, and most recently in November 2025 at the Panda Cup, along with two draws and one loss.

Vietnam advanced to the semi-final in impressive form, having won all their matches so far in the tournament. Strong team cohesion, quick transitions and fighting spirit have been key strengths, while a solid defence and consistent performances from core players have earned praise from analysts.

Meanwhile, China have qualified for the semi-finals of the U23 Asian Cup for the first time in history, reflecting notable progress in the country’s youth football development. The team have impressed with a disciplined, compact playing style, though they will be without several key players due to suspensions, potentially affecting squad depth against the energetic Vietnamese side.

The semi-final between Vietnam U23 and China U23 is expected to be a tightly contested battle, where composure, tactical execution and efficiency in front of goal will be decisive. Beyond a place in the final, the match also represents an opportunity for both teams to assert their standing in Asian youth football.

The winners will face either the RoK or Japan in the final on January 24, while the two losing teams will contest the third-place match a day earlier.

Australian referee to officiate U23 Vietnam–U23 China AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal

VOV.VN - The Asian Football Confederation has appointed Australian referee Alexander King to officiate the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 semifinal between U23 Vietnam and U23 China.