U23 Vietnam finalizes schedule to face Asian champions China

U23 Vietnam will face China, South Korea, and Uzbekistan as a warm-up before SEA Games 33.

As part of the preparation plan for SEA Games 33, the U23 Vietnam team will participate in the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025, held in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China) from November 12 to 18, 2025.

The tournament features four highly skilled and promising U23 teams: South Korea, Uzbekistan, host China, and Vietnam. This marks the third consecutive time the U23 Vietnam team has been invited to this prestigious competition organized by the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

These are all top-tier youth teams in Asian football. U23 Uzbekistan is the current Asian U23 champion with an impressive youth development record over recent years. U23 South Korea also boasts many notable young talents, while U23 China has a strong physical and athletic foundation.

Beyond being a result of the Memorandum of Understanding on football development cooperation signed between the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Vietnam’s continued participation in the CFA Team China Panda Cup confirms the U23 team’s credibility, professional capability, and consistent performance on the international stage.

In their most recent appearance in March 2025, under the guidance of acting head coach Đinh Hồng Vinh, the U23 Vietnam team performed impressively with an unbeaten record (drawing 1-1 with U23 South Korea, 0-0 with U23 Uzbekistan, and 1-1 with host U23 China), securing third place overall. Goalkeeper Cao Văn Bình was also selected as the tournament’s best goalkeeper by the organizers.

The CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025 is regarded as an important warm-up event for teams aiming for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals. For U23 Vietnam, it provides valuable international experience, allowing the coaching staff to refine the squad, test players and tactics, and serve as a crucial stepping stone before the final push towards SEA Games 33.

According to plans, the U23 Vietnam team will regroup simultaneously with the national team during the FIFA international break in November 2025.