Vietnam U17 team returns home after winning the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Football Championship.

The Southeast Asian U17 championship is considered a deserved reward for the persistent efforts of Coach Cristiano Roland and his team, also affirming the clear progress of Vietnam's youth football. Sharing at the airport, Vietnam Football Federation Secretary General Nguyen Van Phu congratulated the entire team, while praising their competitive spirit, effort, and discipline throughout the tournament. The regional achievement is part of the long-term development plan for Vietnam's youth football, aiming to build a successor force for the national team.

“The Vietnam Football Federation always sets goals for youth teams participating in regional, continental, and FIFA qualifying tournaments. Success in the region is just the beginning. It is important that the players continue to strive, maintain their ambition, and aim for higher-level challenges,” emphasized Mr. Nguyen Van Phu.

On behalf of the team, Coach Cristiano Roland expressed gratitude for the support and conditions provided by the Vietnam Football Federation throughout the preparation and competition. The Brazilian coach stated that the championship is a motivation for the team to continue striving, and emphasized that Vietnam U17 will quickly shift focus to the important upcoming goal: the Asian Finals.

The Vietnam U17 team currently maintains an impressive form with a streak of 16 unbeaten matches, including 12 wins and 4 draws. Coach Cristiano Roland's players have scored 59 goals while conceding only 4, demonstrating a balance between offensive strength and defensive organization, a key factor for competing at the continental level.

Immediately after returning home, the team moved to the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center to continue practice. The preparation time is limited, requiring the team to maintain focus and optimal condition for the continental tournament.

According to the plan, the 2026 U17 Asian Finals will take place in Saudi Arabia from May 5-23, featuring 16 teams that excelled in the qualifiers, divided into 4 groups. The eight teams advancing to the Quarter-finals will compete alongside host Saudi Arabia in the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026.

In the group stage, Vietnam U17 is in Group C alongside strong opponents: Korea U17, UAE U17, and Yemen U17. This is considered a challenging group, requiring Coach Cristiano Roland and his team to prepare thoroughly and maintain high concentration.

According to the schedule, Vietnam U17 will face Yemen U17 (May 7), Korea U17 (May 10), and UAE U17 (May 14). Each match is crucial in the race to advance, while aiming for the further goal of competing for a spot in the U17 World Cup. Coach Cristiano Roland and his team will depart for Saudi Arabia early on May 1.