Before the draw in Zurich, Switzerland, on May 21, many predictions suggested that Vietnam could land in a “group of death” featuring global powerhouses such as Brazil or France. However, the final outcome appears more manageable, although still packed with major challenges for head coach Cristiano Roland and his young squad.

Among Vietnam’s group-stage rivals, Mali are widely regarded as the strongest side.

Mali have qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup seven times and have advanced beyond the group stage in every appearance. They finished runners-up in 2015, fourth in 2017 and third in 2023, while also securing second place at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Known for their physical strength, pace and individual technical ability, Mali’s youth teams often play an explosive attacking style. Although tactical organisation can sometimes be inconsistent, the team frequently rely on individual brilliance to make deep tournament runs.

Belgium are also expected to pose a significant challenge for Vietnam. The European side have appeared at the U17 World Cup three times and claimed third place in 2015.

While qualification from Europe remains extremely competitive, Belgium’s youth system continues to produce technically strong and physically capable players suited to the direct, high-intensity style associated with European football.

Meanwhile, New Zealand are viewed as the opponents most likely to offer Vietnam an opportunity to compete for points.

The Oceania representatives have participated in the tournament 11 times, largely benefiting from their dominance in the region after Australia moved to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). However, limited exposure to high-level competition has often affected New Zealand on the world stage, with the team eliminated in the group phase in each of the last four editions.

The FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 tournament in Qatar will feature an expanded 48-team format, divided into 12 groups.

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. The new format increases qualification opportunities for lower-ranked sides, including Vietnam.

Despite facing a difficult group, Vietnam’s coaching staff have already begun preparations for the tournament.

Coach Cristiano Roland said the team would work closely with the Vietnam Football Federation to build the best possible preparation plan ahead of the competition.

Earlier this year, Vietnam impressed at the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 by defeating Yemen and the United Arab Emirates in the group stage before narrowly losing to the Republic of Korea. The team eventually exited in the quarter-finals following a defeat to Australia.

Vietnam’s qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup, scheduled to take place from November 19 to December 13, is considered a major milestone for the country’s youth football development.

Beyond the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s strongest football nations, the tournament is also expected to provide valuable international experience for Vietnam’s next generation of players.

Vietnam likely to face ‘Group of Death’ at FIFA U17 World Cup 2026

VOV.VN - Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s only representative at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026, are likely to be placed in the lowest seeding pot, increasing the possibility of facing several global football powers in the group stage.