Opponent secures a very strong 'practice squad' ahead of the match against U23 Vietnam

After learning they are in the same group as U23 Vietnam at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals, coach Omar Najhi confirmed that U23 Jordan is ready for the challenge and will play friendly matches against UAE to prepare for the tournament.

Immediately following the draw for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals on October 2, U23 Jordan — the group rival of U23 Vietnam — announced a 27-player squad for the competition. According to the draw results, Group A includes host U23 Saudi Arabia (2022 champions), U23 Vietnam, U23 Jordan, and U23 Kyrgyzstan. This group is considered challenging, featuring a strong title contender, an unpredictable team, and a newcomer eager to prove themselves.

Under the leadership of Moroccan coach Omar Najhi, U23 Jordan entered their second domestic training phase from October 2 to 7. Previously, the team began preparations in late September with many young talents discovered from national competitions. After this training session, the team will move to UAE for further training and will play two friendly matches against UAE on October 10 and 13. This is seen as an important opportunity for the coaching staff to assess player form, test lineups, and finalize tactics before the tough tournament early next year.

Speaking after the draw, coach Omar Najhi expressed confidence but remained cautious: “The task ahead in the upcoming tournament is certainly not easy, but I have faith in this generation of players. The chance to advance past the group stage is evenly matched since the teams are quite balanced. We will do our utmost to progress as far as possible, thereby representing Jordanian football — a nation making solid progress on the continental stage — with dignity.”

Meanwhile, U23 Vietnam is also rushing preparations for their journey to Saudi Arabia. The team will regroup starting October 4 in Hanoi, simultaneously with the senior national team’s training camp during the FIFA Days in October 2025.

Since head coach Kim Sang Sik is with the national team preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the U23 Vietnam coaching duties have been assigned to acting head coach Đinh Hồng Vinh. After domestic training until October 7, the team will travel to UAE for training and will play two quality friendlies against U23 Qatar on October 9 and 13.

This is a crucial final rehearsal helping U23 Vietnam perfect their squad and sharpen tactics before the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals — where coach Kim Sang Sik’s team will kick off against U23 Jordan on January 6, 2026.