The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced uplifting news for Vietnamese football, confirming that Vietnam’s U23 team will be placed in Pot 1 for the draw of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers. This top-seeded position comes as a result of the U23 Vietnam team’s remarkable quarterfinal finish in the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Joining Vietnam in Pot 1 are other top-performing teams from the 2024 U23 Asian Cup, including Japan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Indonesia, and South Korea. Being in Pot 1 is a strategic advantage for Vietnam, as it reduces the likelihood of facing other strong teams in the early stages, improving their chances of qualifying for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.
The qualifiers for the 2026 U23 Asian Cup are expected to take place in September 2025, with the draw scheduled for June 2025. This tournament holds particular importance for Vietnam’s younger players, especially after the 2005 and 2006 birth-year cohort fell short of qualifying for the U20 Asian Cup 2025.
The 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers are anticipated to feature 47 teams, competing for 15 spots to join host nation Saudi Arabia in the finals. Vietnam’s squad for this competition will likely consist primarily of players born in 2003 and 2004, featuring some promising talents such as Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Van Truong, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Bui Vi Hao.
The tournament will provide a vital platform for these young players to gain experience and showcase their potential on an international stage, strengthening the future of Vietnamese football.
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