Vietnam to face Azerbaijan in U15 World Cup classification semifinal

The match is slated for 22:30 (Hanoi time) on October 29, marking the second fixture of the day for both teams as they battle for a spot in the 81st–82nd playoff.

To secure their place in the semifinals, head coach Hoang Anh Tuan’s squad fended off a late surge from Cuba earlier in the day. Vietnam built a two-lead advantage before conceding in the closing minutes, successfully holding off the opponent to preserve the 2-1 win.

The result extends Vietnam's recovery following a setback against Rwanda, where the team surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 before losing 4-2 on penalties, dropping them into the 81st-96th classification bracket. Subsequent victories, a 5-3 win over Nicaragua and the recent triumph over Cuba, propelled Vietnam into the group competing for positions 81 to 84.

However, the upcoming challenge is formidable. Azerbaijan enters the fixture riding high after a commanding 5-0 victory over Mozambique. The host nation advanced through the group stage with nine points from wins over Timor-Leste, Andorra, and Israel. Although they fell 3–1 to Chile in the opening classification phase, they rebounded by defeating Gibraltar 5-1 and routing Mozambique 5–0, netting 10 goals across their last two outings.

The host’s potent offense demands strict defensive concentration from Vietnam. Alongside capitalizing on scoring opportunities, the team must tighten spaces and eliminate late-match errors that surfaced in previous encounters.

A victory over Azerbaijan will send Vietnam into the 81st-82nd playoff on October 30, while a defeat will place them in the 83rd-84th match to wrap up their tournament.

Vietnam U15 rank second in Southeast Asia at World Cup group stage

VOV.VN - Vietnam finished third in Group R at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026, collecting nine points to rank second among Southeast Asian teams after the group stage, behind Malaysia.