The Vietnam U17 national team has announced the training squad in preparation for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The core squad selected by Coach Cristiano remains those who participated in the training camp last May and competed in the CFA Team China 2025 international tournament, notably striker Nguyễn Văn Dương and midfielder Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực – both of whom played in the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

Nguyễn Văn Dương is regarded as a promising striker, having won the Best Player and Top Scorer awards at the 2024 National U15 Championship. Meanwhile, Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực is considered a key player for Vietnam U17 at the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals and was recently honored as the Best Player of the U17 National Championship Finals - Thái Sơn Nam Cup 2025. Additionally, goalkeeper Chu Bá Huấn, who earned the Best Goalkeeper award at this tournament, is also included in the training squad.

According to the plan, the Vietnam U17 team will train at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center before heading to Japan for a training camp starting November 5th. There, the team is expected to play three friendly matches against suitable opponents arranged by the Japan Football Association. On November 16th, Coach Cristiano Roland and his squad will return home to finalize preparations for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Based on the draw results, Vietnam U17 is placed in Group C along with Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Macau (China), and the Northern Mariana Islands. Matches in Group C will be held at two venues: the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center and the PVF Youth Football Training Center from November 22 to 30, 2025.

The 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers feature 38 teams divided into 7 groups (3 groups with 6 teams, 4 groups with 5 teams). The seven group winners will qualify for the final tournament. Nine teams have automatic spots including host Qatar and the eight quarter-finalists of the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup: Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, North Korea, Tajikistan, Japan, UAE, and Indonesia.

The final tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia in May 2026. The top eight teams will represent Asia at the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.

The Vietnam Football Federation being granted hosting rights for the group stage by the Asian Football Confederation gives Vietnam U17 a significant advantage in their goal to qualify for the finals and compete for a place at the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.