Vietnam U22 team to participate in Panda Cup 2025: a stepping stone for SEA Games 33
Taking place from November 12-18 in Chengdu, the tournament includes South Korea, Uzbekistan, China, and Vietnam; the Vietnam U22 team brings 26 players from 13 out of 14 clubs, aiming for the SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asian Championship 2026.
The Panda Cup 2025, taking place from November 12th to 18th in Chengdu (China), is seen as a test of character for the Vietnam U22 team on their journey towards the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. The tournament brings together four teams: South Korea, Uzbekistan, China, and Vietnam. This is the second time in 2025 that the Vietnam U22 team has returned to China, continuing their long-term preparation plan; previously, the team drew all three matches against these opponents in March.
Vietnam U22 squad: 26 players from 13/14 V-League clubs.
The biggest strength of the Vietnam U22 team lies in the quality of its personnel. The entire squad...26 playersThey are all playing for professional clubs, and they come from...13/14 V-League teamsThis demonstrates depth and diversity in playing styles. This is rare in previous youth teams and reflects the progress of youth training in the country.
Names likeKhuat Van Khang,North Temple,Cong Phuong,Xuan Bac– the core of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship – continue to be the backbone of the team. Regular playing time in the V-League helps them accumulate experience, confidence, and composure when stepping onto the international stage.
A test of tactics and physical fitness against a top opponent in the continent.
The Panda Cup is more than just a friendly tournament. With three opponents – South Korea, Uzbekistan, and China – the competition is a test of the adaptability and consistency of the Vietnam U22 team. The progress in technical and tactical skills, as well as physical fitness, was demonstrated after the team successfully defended their Southeast Asian U23 Championship title and won all their matches in the 2026 Asian U23 Championship qualifiers.
Another challenge lies in the late assembly due to the packed V-League schedule. Nevertheless, the entire team showed high spirits and determination, while the coaching staff used the Panda Cup to test the lineup and refine the playing style ahead of the big goal.
Testing the lineup under coach Dinh Hong Vinh.
CoachDinh Hong VinhAnd his colleagues aim to assess the balance between V-League experience and team cohesion. The Panda Cup is therefore a place to review personnel, standardize operating principles, and sharpen the game-reading abilities of key players.
From Panda Cup to SEA Games 33 and U23 Asian Championship 2026
The Panda Cup reflects the positive transformation of Vietnamese youth football: improved training infrastructure, young players regularly competing in domestic leagues, and readiness to face international intensity. These experiences are crucial assets for the U22 Vietnam team to move closer to their short-term and medium-term goals.
With the national team focusing on the 2027 Asian Cup, the Vietnam U22 team is the next hopeful contender.Kim Jong-un needs more young talents to shine.The Panda Cup is therefore not simply a friendly competition, but a stepping stone to help the new generation gain experience and affirm the position of Vietnamese football at the youth level.
Connecting Journeys 2025: Returning to China, a Long-Term Plan
Returning to China for the second time in 2025 demonstrates a proactive approach to international competition and experience. The three draws in March were indicative of the Vietnamese U22 team's competitiveness; this encounter at the Panda Cup will further test the team's resilience and stability.
With a solid squad, a high-paced game, and clear objectives, the Vietnam U22 team enters the Panda Cup 2025 as an important stepping stone for the SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
