U17 Vietnam to train in Japan ahead of 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers

According to VFF, the Vietnam U17 national team will travel to Japan for an intensive training camp beginning on November 5, ahead of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. During this period, the team will play three friendly matches against opponents arranged by the Japan Football Association, providing valuable international experience and tactical testing opportunities for coach Cristiano Roland’s young squad. After completing their training camp, the team is scheduled to return to Vietnam on November 16 to enter the final phase of preparation.

In the upcoming qualifiers, Vietnam U17 has been placed in Group C alongside Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Macau (China), and the Northern Mariana Islands. All matches in this group will be hosted in Vietnam, taking place between November 22 and 30, 2025, at two venues: the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center and the PVF Football Academy. Playing at home is expected to provide a significant advantage for the Vietnamese youngsters in their bid for qualification.

The 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers feature 38 participating teams divided into seven groups. The top team from each group, together with nine teams that have already earned direct qualification, will advance to the final tournament, which will be held in Saudi Arabia in May 2026. From there, the eight best-performing teams will represent Asia at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026.

Being granted the right to host their qualifying group by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is a major advantage for Vietnam. This not only offers the U17 team the comfort of familiar conditions but also serves as a strong motivation to chase their dream of reaching the global stage at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026. The Vietnam Football Federation views this campaign as a vital step in developing the next generation of national football talents and reinforcing the country’s growing presence in Asian youth football.

Saji Usato