U23 Uzbekistan used all 2005 players, met U23 Vietnam
The reigning U23 Asian champion switched to the 2005 generation to participate in the 2025 Panda Cup in China; U23 Vietnam kept its strongest force, preparing for the 33rd SEA Games.
Uzbekistan U23 – the reigning 2024 U23 Asian champion – will bring to the Panda Cup 2025 in China a squad consisting entirely of players born in 2005 to face Vietnam U23. This “age handicap” move shows a long-term orientation towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while Vietnam U23 keeps its strongest force to review before the 33rd SEA Games.
U23 Uzbekistan switches to 2005 generation for Panda Cup
On November 8, U23 Uzbekistan announced the list of participants in the Panda Cup. Compared to the friendly tournament “CFA Team China” in March, the head coach is still Haidarov, but the force has changed completely: the players born in 2003 were replaced by the 2005 generation, qualified to participate in the men's football event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The strong rejuvenation comes after a successful period: Uzbekistan U23 won the 2024 AFC U23 Championship and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics; while the Uzbekistan national team won a place at the 2026 World Cup next year. Although they are from the 2005 generation, they are still Uzbekistan's best players in this age group.
Long-term strategy: 2028 Olympics is the destination
Replacing the entire 2003 squad with the 2005 squad in an international friendly is a cyclical move. For youth teams, bringing the target age group into play early helps accumulate international minutes, get used to the intensity and pressure – the decisive factors in Olympic qualifying. In the short term, the young squad may lack experience, but the trade-off is energy, speed and tactical flexibility.
China U23 also "goes ahead" with U20 force
Not only Uzbekistan, China U23 coach Antonio has called up a total of 30 players for the training camp, of which more than half (16 players) are in the 2005 age group, which is the core of the U20. The goal is also towards Los Angeles 2028: calling up early to increase the number of international matches and experience major tournaments for the next generation.
U23 Vietnam maintains strong force, aiming for SEA Games 33
Contrary to the trend of extreme youth, U23 Vietnam used the strongest force for the four-team tournament with Uzbekistan, South Korea and host China. These are mostly players who participated in the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and qualified for the 2026 Asian U23 Championship. The Panda Cup is therefore considered a test of intensity, pace of play and connection before the important goal just one month later: SEA Games 33.
Notable personnel information
According to sources, overseas Vietnamese Viktor Le and 5 other players will definitely miss the opening match of U23 Vietnam against U23 China.
Professional Impact at the Panda Cup
Set against the backdrop of three teams prioritizing the 2028 Olympic cycle in different ways, the 2025 Panda Cup promises to be an interesting yardstick:
- Uzbekistan tested the 2005 generation: assessing the ability to withstand international pressure, organizing competitions in a four-team environment.
- China expands player pool 2005: increasing internal competition, accumulating experience for U20 team.
- Vietnam maintains regional championship framework: prioritizing stability, honing competition principles for SEA Games 33.
Brief comparison table
| Team | Summoning age | Goals/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U23 Uzbekistan | All 2005 | Preparing for Los Angeles 2028 |
| China U23 | 30 players, 16 born in 2005 | Increase international experience for U20 team |
| U23 Vietnam | The strongest force at present | Rehearsal for SEA Games 33 |
Quick information
- Time to announce U23 Uzbekistan squad: November 8.
- Location: China.
- U23 Vietnam's opponents at Panda Cup: Uzbekistan, South Korea, China.
- Uzbekistan and China's target: the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- U23 Vietnam's target after Panda Cup: SEA Games 33.
