Vietnam U23 is a strong contender for the title at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
The AFC ranks Vietnam U23 alongside Japan and South Korea as contenders for the championship. Coach Kim Sang Sik's team is ready for their opening match against Jordan on January 6th.
Ahead of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship finals in Saudi Arabia, the Vietnamese U23 team is becoming the focus of attention for the continental media. No longer considered a "dark horse" or an unknown quantity, coach Kim Sang Sik's team enters the tournament as a strong contender for the title.
The new status of Vietnamese youth football.
The Asian Football Confederation's website (the-AFC.com) gave positive reviews, ranking the Vietnamese team among the top football powerhouses such as Japan, South Korea, and host nation Saudi Arabia. On social media platforms, the AFC even posted a training video of the team with the caption: "Vietnam U23 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship: This is no joke!".
This high regard is based on a solid professional foundation. The Vietnam U23 team comes to this year's tournament with the baggage of winning the Southeast Asian U23 Championship and the SEA Games 33 gold medal in 2025. Historically, Vietnam has participated in the finals six times in a row, finishing as runner-up in 2018 and reaching the quarterfinals in the two most recent editions (2022, 2024).
A challenge right from the opening match.
All eyes will be on the King Abdullah Sports City Hall in Jeddah at 6:30 PM on January 6th (Vietnam time), where the opening match between Vietnam U23 and Jordan U23 will take place. This is predicted to be a dramatic clash as both teams are eager to get off to a good start.
In the past, the two teams have met twice in this tournament. Jordan U23 won 3-1 in 2016, while the most recent encounter in 2020 ended in a 0-0 draw. This rematch is an opportunity for Kim Sang Sik's team to demonstrate their tactical progress and competitive spirit.
Expectations for new stars
The AFC U23 Asian Championship has always been a launching pad for young talents. Players like Khuất Văn Khang and his teammates are facing a great opportunity to rise to prominence, continuing the tradition of their predecessors like Nguyễn Quang Hải in 2018.
To prepare for the tournament, the team underwent thorough training in Qatar and played a final friendly match against the Syrian U23 team on December 30th. The confidence from international experts is a great motivation, but it also places considerable pressure on the young players to maintain consistency in a group with many strong opponents.
With the experience honed through regional tournaments, the Vietnam U23 team has every right to dream of a new miracle in Saudi Arabia, further affirming its position as a rising force in youth football in Asia.