Viet Tri, 3 September, 2025 – All eyes will be on Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho tonight, September 3, as Vietnam U23 face Bangladesh U23 in their opening Group C match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers. The highly anticipated encounter kicks off at 19:00 local time.
Vietnam U23 enter the tournament with momentum and confidence following their triumphant run at the ASEAN U23 Championship in July. Under head coach Kim Sang-sik, the squad’s goal is clear: secure a ticket to the final tournament in Saudi Arabia early next year. To achieve that ambition, a strong start against Bangladesh is seen as essential.
The majority of Vietnam’s squad for this qualifying campaign is made up of players who contributed to the ASEAN U23 Championship victory. Many of them are also gaining increasing playing time in V.League 1, giving them both confidence and cohesion as they take the field together. With home support expected to fill the stands at Viet Tri, the atmosphere promises to further boost the team’s morale.
On paper, Vietnam U23 are rated higher than their South Asian opponents. However, Bangladesh have also made thorough preparations and arrive with determination to cause surprises. In recent months, the Bangladesh Football Federation has moved decisively to grant citizenship to several players with foreign roots, significantly strengthening their squad ahead of this qualifier.
One name that stands out is Cuba Mitchell, a striker born in 2005 with English, Jamaican, and Bangladeshi heritage. Born in Birmingham, Mitchell trained and played with the youth academies of Birmingham City and Sunderland before committing his international future to Bangladesh. His presence provides an additional attacking dimension that could trouble Vietnam’s defense if not carefully managed.
Head coach Kim Sang-sik acknowledged in the pre-match press conference that Vietnam must approach the game with focus and discipline despite being favorites. The Korean tactician stressed the importance of treating every opponent with respect, noting that early points are critical in a short qualification format.
Group C features Vietnam, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Yemen. Matches will be played from September 3 to September 9 at Viet Tri Stadium, with the group winner automatically qualifying for the finals. Four of the best second-placed teams across all groups will also advance.
Vietnam U23 will face Singapore on September 6 before concluding the group stage against Yemen on September 9, a clash many believe could decide the group’s outcome. But for now, the team’s full concentration is on tonight’s opening test.
Lan Phuong
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