VFF President: Vietnam U23 Drawn into a “Tough” Group at the U23 Asian Championship

02/10/2025 18:41:00 FieldFrenzy

Vietnam U23 finds itself in Group A at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship finals with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn highlighted the importance of a thorough preparation strategy to face difficulties.

On the afternoon of October 2, the draw ceremony for the 2026 U23 Asian Championship finals was held in Malaysia, confirming Vietnam U23’s placement in Group A with hosts Saudi Arabia, U23 Jordan, and U23 Kyrgyzstan. This marks the sixth consecutive appearance of Vietnam U23 in the final stage, after winning all matches in Group C qualifiers in Việt Trì against Bangladesh, Singapore, and Yemen.

Regarding the draw results, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn commented that the group is quite challenging: “Besides the very strong host Saudi Arabia, both Jordan and Kyrgyzstan are formidable opponents, having advanced as group winners. Therefore, we will face numerous challenges.” He stressed that Vietnam U23 must prepare not only for the 2026 U23 Asian Championship finals but also with an eye on SEA Games 33.

Vietnam U23 is in Group A with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship finals.

The VFF has proactively developed a training plan for the team. Mr. Tuấn revealed: “We have coordinated with the Qatar Football Federation for Vietnam U23 to play two friendly matches in October 2025. In November, the team will participate in a friendly tournament in China featuring U23 China and two other strong Asian teams.” This is considered an important warm-up phase for players to gain experience and refine tactics.

According to the plan, Vietnam U23 will assemble from October 4 in Hanoi, concurrently with the national team’s training camp. As Coach Kim Sang-sik will be busy with the national team’s match against Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the head coach role for Vietnam U23 will be assigned to Đinh Hồng Vinh. The team will train at the Vietnam Youth Football Center until October 7, then travel to UAE for two friendly matches against Qatar U23 (on October 9 and 13). In early November, Vietnam U23 will continue their journey to China for the international friendly tournament.

VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn acknowledges the group’s difficulty and the need for careful preparation.

Given the group includes a championship contender, unpredictable opponents, and a motivated newcomer, Vietnam U23 is expected to maximize these match opportunities to build resilience. The VFF President affirmed: “We are not yet at the level of Saudi Arabia or other top teams, but with thorough preparation, this will be a great chance to train and improve.”.

The 2026 U23 Asian Championship will take place from January 7 to 25 in Saudi Arabia, featuring 16 teams divided into 4 groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Besides Vietnam U23, Southeast Asia is represented by Thailand U23, placed in the “group of death” D alongside Iraq, Australia, and China.

Regular competition against strong Middle Eastern and East Asian teams will help Vietnam U23 accumulate valuable experience, preparing them for both immediate and long-term goals. With solid preparation, Coach Kim Sang-sik’s squad is expected to cause surprises in the upcoming continental tournament.

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