2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup: Vietnam Proudly Advances to the Semifinals

Coach Kim Sang-sik surprised again with his lineup, starting U23 Vietnam with Lê Phát replacing Đình Bắc, and Minh Phúc returning to the midfield. These adjustments showed caution and reflected the great respect U23 Vietnam had for U23 UAE, a side known for their physicality and stamina.

The U23 Vietnam players began confidently. U23 UAE also started cautiously, resulting in a tightly contested first half. However, the closing minutes of the first half were thrilling as both teams exchanged goals.

Vietnam opened the scoring with a perfectly executed combination: Đình Bắc assisted, and Lê Phát finished in the 39th minute. UAE quickly equalized at 1-1 with a dangerous header in the 42nd minute.

U23 Vietnam once again took the lead in the second half with a stunning header from Đình Bắc in the 63rd minute. Just like in the first half, the West Asian team showed resilience by equalizing 2-2 only five minutes after Đình Bắc’s goal.

With no winner after 90 minutes, the match went into two extra periods. The decisive goal came in the 101st minute when Minh Phúc scored for Vietnam.

Thus, after seven unsuccessful attempts against this West Asian opponent, U23 Vietnam succeeded on their eighth try, advancing to the continental tournament’s semifinals. This victory not only secured a place among the top four teams but also demonstrated the growth, resilience, and ambition of this young generation.

This achievement marks the second time U23 Vietnam has reached the semifinals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, following the historic run to the final in Thường Châu 2018.

U23 Vietnam will play their semifinal match on January 20th, facing the winner between U23 China and U23 Uzbekistan.

In the post-match press conference, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that regardless of whether their semifinal opponent is China or Uzbekistan, U23 Vietnam aims to win: "I want to thank the entire U23 Vietnam team for their outstanding effort during the match. I am very proud of their determination through 120 minutes. I appreciate all the fans who came to the stadium and those who supported us on TV. I believe U23 Vietnam has delivered quality and committed football. I am proud of the players.

Next, we need to watch the match between U23 Uzbekistan and U23 China carefully to analyze our opponent. After that, U23 Vietnam will prepare thoroughly. I am confident we will win the semifinal."

Immediately after the match, the AFC Asian Cup’s official page posted a brief six-word status: “Recreating the White Snow of Thường Châu.”

This vivid comparison instantly recalled the historic feat in 2018, when Vietnamese football shocked the continent with the courageous spirit of the U23 team led by coach Park Hang-seo.

From the AFC’s perspective, the victory over U23 UAE was more than just a quarterfinal win. It proved U23 Vietnam’s courage, belief, and ambition to rise, as they continue to write an inspiring chapter at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.