Vietnam kicks off FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026

According to the official itinerary, Vietnam U15 finalized administrative procedures, attended technical meetings, and held a familiarization training session at Hovsan Stadium from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (local time) on October 23.

On October 24, the squad will move to the match venue for pre-match preparation ahead of their opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina at 11:30 AM (local time). Later that evening, Vietnam U15 will attend the tournament’s opening ceremony at Baku Crystal Hall.

The inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026 marks the first edition of the tournament organized by FIFA, expecting to gather 189 member associations.

Notably, 78 national teams are making their first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup event across all age groups and genders, underscoring the tournament's special significance in expanding international football access for youth players worldwide.

Guided by the philosophy "Give Every Talent a Chance," the tournament aims to discover and develop young talent. Rather than focusing solely on match results, FIFA places strong emphasis on player experience, holistic development, and the joy of playing football. Alongside international matches, teams will participate in educational activities, exchanges with football legends, and community awareness programs.

Adaptability and skill development are central to the tournament's unique 8v8 format, featuring two 20-minute halves, unlimited substitutions, and kick-ins replacing traditional throw-ins. Tailored specifically for the U15 age group, these rules are designed to increase ball touches, improve technical skills, enhance tactical thinking, and hone decision-making abilities. Crucially, all teams will continue playing through to the final day without early elimination, gaining valuable international match experience.

Head coach Hoang Anh Tuan noted that the new format offers an ideal opportunity for Vietnamese young players to improve their tactical mindset and adaptability. At ages 14 to 15, apart from mastering their positional duties, players need to take the initiative, make quick decisions, and unleash creativity on the pitch.

"Football requires fitness, technique, and tactical discipline, but thinking is equally critical. Players must read situations independently on the pitch and create tactical variations. We want to encourage them to be creative and make game-changing breakthroughs, foundations essential for their current and future development," coach Hoang Anh Tuan said.

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