The Vietnamese side advanced as one of the two best third-placed teams across the group stage, alongside Uzbekistan, edging out competitors on goal difference.

This marks only the second time Vietnam have reached the knockout stage of the continental tournament, following their first appearance in 2004 when the competition was held as the AFC U19 Women’s Championship.

In the quarter-finals on April 11, Vietnam will face regional powerhouse Japan, who topped their group with a perfect record and are widely considered title contenders.

Other quarter-final matchups include China vs Uzbekistan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea vs Australia, and Thailand vs the Republic of Korea.

The top four teams in the tournament will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Poland this September.

Speaking ahead of the clash, head coach Okiyama Masahiko acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in his team’s preparation.

Despite facing one of Asia’s strongest sides, Vietnam will be aiming to pull off a major upset and secure a historic World Cup berth.

Vietnam suffer 1-4 defeat to Thailand at AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup

VOV.VN - Vietnam on April 4 suffered a 1-4 defeat to hosts Thailand in their second group-stage match at the 2026 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, putting their quarter-final hopes in jeopardy.