Khuat Van Khang sets a record by participating in 3 consecutive U23 Asian Championships.
Midfielder Khuất Văn Khang has officially become the first Vietnamese player in history to participate in three consecutive AFC U23 Asian Championship finals, and is ready to lead the team in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
Khuat Van Khang is on the verge of making history as he becomes the first Vietnamese player to participate in three consecutive AFC U23 Asian Championship finals. At the age of 23, the midfielder, who plays for The Cong Viettel, is not only a crucial professional player but also a valuable source of experience for Coach Kim Sang Sik's team in the upcoming 2026 Saudi Arabia campaign.
Khuất Văn Khang's unprecedented milestone
In the world of youth football, the AFC U23 Championship is often seen as a platform for emerging talents before they mature. However, Khuất Văn Khang is breaking that rule to set an unprecedented record. From his debut under coach Gong Oh-kyun in 2022 at the age of 19, through the miraculous quarter-final run in 2024, and now the 2026 campaign, Văn Khang has maintained consistent form for three consecutive cycles.
Being eligible and maintaining a key position from 2022 to 2026 is proof of this player's early blossoming talent and incredible consistency. From the position of a promising "raw gem," the star born in 2003 has transformed dramatically to become the "elder brother," holding a spiritual leadership role for the younger players in the national team.
The Saudi Arabia Challenge 2026
At the upcoming tournament in Saudi Arabia, the Vietnam U23 team is in a challenging Group A alongside the host nation, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. This also marks the sixth consecutive time the "Golden Star Warriors" have participated in the continent's biggest youth football event, affirming the stable position of Vietnamese football in the Asian arena.
The opening match against Jordan on January 6, 2026, will be the first test of the ambitions of coach Kim Sang Sik and his team. With a squad undergoing many changes, featuring new faces making their debut on the international stage, Khuất Văn Khang's extensive experience is seen as a "compass" guiding the team's playing style.
Not only is Van Khang a key player in the midfield, but he also plays a crucial role in uniting the team after his valuable experiences at the SEA Games. His presence at the 2026 Saudi Arabia tournament is not only significant in terms of record numbers, but also a testament to a generation of young Vietnamese players full of courage and a desire to conquer new heights.
