Vietnam ready for AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers
VOV.VN - Following their triumph at the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship, Vietnam’s U23 team will regroup on August 29 at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre in Hanoi to prepare for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Coach Kim Sang-sik’s side have been drawn in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Singapore, and Yemen, with all matches to be played at the Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho province. In terms of rankings, they are now rated higher than their opponents, giving them favourable conditions to pursue a direct ticket to the finals in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
The recent Southeast Asian title demonstrated that the coaching staff have built a well-balanced and cohesive squad. Young talents such as Van Khang, Van Truong, Viktor Le, Quoc Viet, Xuan Bac, Thanh Nhan, and goalkeeper Trung Kien are all maintaining solid form in the 2025–2026 V-League, providing Coach Kim with a range of quality options.
In addition, the presence of overseas Vietnamese players trained in advanced football systems abroad further strengthens the squad and offers tactical flexibility. Experts predict that the core lineup of Vietnam U23 will remain largely unchanged from the ASEAN U23 Championship, with only minor adjustments based on current V-League performances.
The AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers feature 44 teams divided into 11 groups. The 11 group winners and the four best runners-up will advance to the finals.
As scheduled, Vietnam will face Bangladesh on September 3, Singapore on September 6, and Yemen on September 9. With thorough preparation, the young Vietnamese squad are expected to affirm their standing and secure a spot at the continental football showcase.
Meanwhile, without playing friendlies, the senior team will also gather at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre in Hanoi from August 29 to September 10. They will have two friendly matches against two V.League teams - Nam Dinh FC on September 4 and Hanoi Police FC on September 7 - to help the national team hone their skills ahead of international tournaments.
U23 Vietnam to regroup in late August for AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers
VOV.VN - Following their triumphant run at the 2025 AFF U23 Championship, U23 Vietnam will soon return to action as they prepare for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers.
