Vietnam U19 ready for the 2026 Southeast Asian Championship: The mark of coach Yutaka Ikeuchi

Under the guidance of new head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi, the Vietnam U19 team is showing positive signs in its preparation for the 2026 Southeast Asian U19 Championship. After the initial days of getting acquainted, the entire team has begun to accelerate to finalize the last pieces of the tactical scheme in Medan, Indonesia.

Impressive adaptation and a dip in form.

During the 60-minute training session on the afternoon of May 30th, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi deliberately reduced the training volume to ensure his players were in peak physical condition before the opening day. However, the intensity of the training remained high, focusing on small group coordination exercises and practicing quick ball movement between lines.

Notably, the young players' ability to adapt to the climate and pitch conditions in Medan was highly praised. Their high spirits and maximum concentration in training demonstrated that the Vietnam U19 team was ready to overcome the pressures of the host country's competitive environment. The coaching staff placed particular emphasis on finishing, requiring the forwards to maximize every opportunity in front of the opponent's goal.

Building a professional foundation and a sense of discipline.

Besides professional skills, ideological education and player protection are also top priorities. Recently, the entire team participated in a session on integrity and protecting young players, organized by the tournament organizers. This is a necessary step to help young talents raise awareness of rules against misconduct and better understand professionalism in the international football environment.

Equipping players with knowledge about integrity not only helps protect their individual careers but also contributes to maintaining the image of Vietnamese football in the regional arena. Thorough preparation, both physically and mentally, helps Coach Ikeuchi's players feel more confident in the upcoming challenges.

The roadmap to success and the final list.

According to the schedule, on the morning of May 31st, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi will attend the technical meeting and official press conference before the group stage. This is also the time when the Japanese strategist will make the final decision on the official 23-player roster for this year's tournament. The final training session on the same day will be the last test to finalize the starting lineup.

The Vietnam U19 team is in Group A, a group predicted to be challenging with the participation of host Indonesia, Myanmar, and Timor Leste. The specific group stage schedule for the Vietnam U19 team is as follows:

The opening match against Timor Leste on June 1st is considered pivotal to the entire campaign. A convincing victory would not only secure three points but also create crucial psychological momentum before facing direct rivals Myanmar and especially host nation Indonesia in the final match.