U22 Vietnam attends Panda Cup 2025: a warm-up step for SEA Games 33
Taking place on November 12-18 in Chengdu, including Korea, Uzbekistan, China, Vietnam; U22 Vietnam brings 26 players from 13/14 clubs, aiming for SEA Games 33, U23 Asia 2026.
The Panda Cup 2025, taking place from November 12 to 18 in Chengdu (China), is considered a test of mettle for U22 Vietnam on the journey towards the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals. The tournament brings together four teams: Korea, Uzbekistan, China and Vietnam. This is the second time in 2025 that U22 Vietnam has returned to China, continuing its long-term preparation plan; previously, the team drew all three matches when facing these opponents in March.
Vietnam U22 squad: 26 players from 13/14 V-League clubs
The biggest support of U22 Vietnam lies in the quality of human resources. The whole26 playersare all playing for professional clubs, from13/14 V-League teams, showing depth and diversity in playing style. This is something that has rarely been seen in youth teams before and reflects the progress of youth training in the country.
Names likeKhuat Van Khang,Bac Temple,Cong Phuong,Xuan Bac– the core of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship – continues to be the mainstay of the squad. Playing regularly in the V-League helps them gain experience, confidence and courage when entering the international arena.
Measure of tactics and physical strength against the continent's top opponents
The Panda Cup is not just a friendly tournament. With three opponents from Korea, Uzbekistan and China, the tournament is a test of the adaptability and stability of U22 Vietnam. The progress in technique, tactics and physical strength was shown after the team successfully defended the U23 Southeast Asian championship and won all the qualifying rounds of U23 Asia 2026.
Another challenge was the late gathering due to the tight V-League schedule. However, the whole team showed great enthusiasm and determination, while the coaching staff took advantage of the Panda Cup to test the squad and perfect the playing style before the big goal.
Testing the lineup under coach Dinh Hong Vinh
CoachDinh Hong Vinhand associates aim to assess the balance between V-League experience and team-level cohesion. Panda Cup is therefore a place to review personnel, standardize operating principles and sharpen the ability to read the game of the pillars.
From Panda Cup to SEA Games 33 and U23 Asia 2026
The Panda Cup reflects the positive changes in Vietnamese youth football: the training base has improved, young players are regularly competing in domestic tournaments and are ready to face international intensity. These experiences are important assets for U22 Vietnam to get closer to their short-term and medium-term goals.
In the context of the national team focusing on the goal of Asian Cup 2027, U22 Vietnam is the next hope.Mr. Kim needs more young people to shine.Therefore, the Panda Cup is not simply a friendly playground but a stepping stone to help the new generation accumulate experience and affirm the position of Vietnamese football at the youth level.
Connecting the Journey 2025: Return to China, Long-Term Plan
Returning to China for the second time in 2025 shows the initiative in competition planning and international exposure. The three draws in March were an indication of the competitiveness of U22 Vietnam; this reunion at the Panda Cup will continue to test the team's tenacity and stability.
With a solid human resources foundation, high competition pace and clear goals, U22 Vietnam entered the Panda Cup 2025 as an important warm-up for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 U23 Asian finals.
