Vietnam U22 team to participate in Panda Cup 2025, as preparation for SEA Games 33.
The Vietnam U22 team will depart for the Panda Cup 2025 in Chengdu, facing China U22 at 2:30 PM on November 12th. This four-team tournament serves as a test of strength in preparation for the SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asian Championship 2026.
On the morning of November 10th, the Vietnam U22 team departed for China to participate in the CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 international football tournament, held in Chengdu (Sichuan province) from November 12th to 18th. The tournament features four teams: Vietnam U22, Uzbekistan U22, South Korea U22, and China U22. It is considered a high-quality competition to assess the team's strength before the 2026 AFC U23 Championship and serves as a stepping stone towards the 33rd SEA Games. Vietnam U22's opening match will be against the host team, China U22, at 2:30 PM (Vietnam time) on November 12th.
Short schedule, early test
The team had only one training session on the afternoon of November 11th before taking to the field. Given the tight timeframe, the objectives were clearly defined: to demonstrate a positive competitive spirit, optimize performance in each match, and gain international experience as a foundation for the SEA Games 33.
Due to ongoing V.League 2025/26 fixtures, the team assembled in three groups traveling from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Tinh. This grouping helps ensure consistent match schedules for players busy with their club commitments, but also presents a challenge in terms of tactical coordination within the very short timeframe before the opening match.
Training and organization
According to the assignment from the Vietnam Football Federation, Vice President Tran Anh Tu will serve as the Head of Delegation. Assistant coach Dinh Hong Vinh will continue as Acting Head Coach during the period when Coach Kim Sang Sik leads the national team in preparation for the match against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. This personnel structure helps the U22 Vietnam team maintain continuous training while ensuring consistency in observing and evaluating players across the team system.
Core personnel and key highlights
The Vietnam U22 squad includes many players who recently impressed at the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and contributed to securing a ticket to the 2026 Asian U23 Championship: Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, and Pham Ly Duc. Alongside them are experienced national team players such as Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Tran Trung Kien.
Notably, Bui Vi Hao returns after a long-term injury. His comeback promises to increase options for the attack and open up more options for the coaching staff in both attacking and transitional scenarios.
Tactical perspective: personnel review, testing options.
The Panda Cup 2025 is seen as a testing ground for the Vietnam U22 team, testing their lineup and tactics. Facing strong opponents from across Asia, each 90-minute match is a test of their adaptability, organizational skills, and ability to manage the tempo of the game. Playing against the host nation in the first match creates pressure but also provides an opportunity to assess their competitive spirit.
With limited training time, the focus will likely be on assembling the established positions from previous tournaments, testing fitness and ball control, and assessing the effectiveness of personnel rotations between matches. Results are not the only objective; the data collected on individual performance and organizational structure is the core value for SEA Games 33.
Quick statistics
- Tournament dates: November 12–18 in Chengdu (Sichuan Province).
- Participating teams: Vietnam U22, Uzbekistan U22, South Korea U22, China U22.
- Vietnam U22's opening match: 2:30 PM (Vietnam time) on November 12th against China U22.
- Number of training sessions before the competition: 1 session (afternoon of November 11th).
- Transportation arrangements: 3 groups from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Tinh.
- Team leadership: Tran Anh Tu (Team Leader); Dinh Hong Vinh (Acting Head Coach).
- Notable faces include: Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Tran Trung Kien, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Pham Ly Duc; Bui Vi Hao returns.
Expected impact
With the prospect of competing against three highly competitive opponents, the Panda Cup 2025 serves as a valuable dress rehearsal for the Vietnam U22 team to refine their personnel and tactics before pursuing key objectives such as the SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asian Championship 2026. The matches in Chengdu are expected to provide valuable experience, clarify positional priorities, and help shape the team's structure for the upcoming stages.
