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.
The world’s football governing body confirmed that the official draw ceremony for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 will take place at 3 p.m. in Zurich, Switzerland, on May 21 (8 p.m. Vietnam time).
The tournament will be hosted by Qatar from November 19 to December 13, featuring 48 national teams divided into 12 groups. It marks the second consecutive edition in which FIFA has applied the expanded tournament format aimed at promoting global youth football development.
Although Vietnam secured qualification after an impressive campaign at the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, they now face the prospect of landing in a highly challenging group.
According to FIFA draw regulations, teams from the same confederation cannot be placed in the same group. That means Vietnam will avoid Asia’s strongest youth teams, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Under FIFA’s seeding criteria, which are based on performances in the last five editions of the U17 World Cup in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2025, Vietnam are expected to be placed in Pot 4 because they have never previously participated in the tournament.
As a result, head coach Cristiano Roland and his players could be drawn against major title contenders such as Brazil, France, Spain, or Argentina as early as the group stage.
Vietnam are the only Southeast Asian team to qualify for the tournament and one of only two members of the ASEAN Football Federation to secure a place alongside Australia. Meanwhile, Thailand and Indonesia were both eliminated during the group stage of the Asian championship.
Beyond the achievement, participation in the world’s biggest youth football tournament is seen as a valuable opportunity for Vietnam’s young players to gain international experience and compete against some of the world’s leading football powerhouses, including France, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, and Cameroon.
In a letter sent to football clubs and youth academies, Vietnam Football Federation President Tran Quoc Tuan praised the cooperation of training centres and clubs in preparing the national youth team. He also expressed hope that the tournament in Qatar would provide fresh momentum for Vietnam’s long-term youth football development strategy.
Vietnam rally to beat UAE 3-2 and reach U17 World Cup
VOV.VN - Vietnam rallied from behind to beat the United Arab Emirates 3-2 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 14, topping Group C at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup and securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.
