Khuat Van Khang sets a historic record at the AFC U23 Asian Championship.
Midfielder Khuất Văn Khang is poised to become the first Vietnamese player to participate in three consecutive U23 Asian Championship finals, marking an unprecedented milestone for the country's youth football.
Midfielder Khuất Văn Khang is on the verge of making history as he prepares with the Vietnam U23 team for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia. This star born in 2003 will officially become the first Vietnamese player in history to participate in three consecutive AFC U23 Asian Championships (2022, 2024, and 2026), an achievement reflecting his consistent performance and high level of skill at the youth level.
An unprecedented record at the continental arena.
Participating in Saudi Arabia early next year is not only a collective success for the Vietnam U23 team but also a significant personal achievement for Khuất Văn Khang. Since his debut in this tournament at the age of 19 (in 2022), Văn Khang has continuously matured to become an indispensable element in the tactical schemes of successive head coaches.
Sharing his thoughts on this special milestone, the captain of the Vietnam U23 team said that each participation brings a unique feeling. However, this return holds even greater significance after the team's recent successes. "This is the third time I've participated in the U23 Asian Championship. After winning the SEA Games, I and the whole team have even more motivation and determination to enter this continental-level tournament," Van Khang affirmed.
The qualities of a young leader
With his experience competing in numerous international tournaments, Khuat Van Khang currently serves as a source of moral support for his younger teammates. He admits to seeing a reflection of himself a few years ago in the players participating in the tournament for the first time. The guidance of experienced key players like Van Khang and Dinh Bac is expected to help the U23 Vietnam attack operate effectively against strong opponents.
At the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team is in a challenging Group A alongside host nation Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. This marks the sixth consecutive time that the Vietnam U23 team has qualified for Asia's biggest football tournament for the U23 age group, a testament to the position of Vietnamese football on the continental stage.
A journey of conquest in Saudi Arabia
According to the schedule, the Vietnam U23 team will begin their campaign with a match against Jordan U23 on January 6, 2026. Currently, the team is maintaining a high intensity of training in Qatar to adapt to the climate conditions and finalize the last tactical pieces before traveling to the host country, Saudi Arabia.
With thorough preparation and timely brilliance from individuals like Khuat Van Khang, the Vietnam U23 team is aiming to advance beyond the group stage and create further surprises at this prestigious tournament.
