Chengdu, 17 November 2025 – With all four teams sitting on three points after two rounds, Chinese media believe U23 China hold the biggest advantage to win the Panda Cup 2025, but warn that U23 Vietnam could create a surprise in the final matchday.
Chinese media on November 17 offered detailed predictions regarding the final outcome of the Panda Cup 2025, as the tournament in Chengdu enters its decisive stage. After two rounds, U23 China, U23 Vietnam, U23 Uzbekistan and U23 Korea all sit on three points, making the final matchday on November 18 the deciding moment for the championship. In the last two fixtures, host team U23 China will face U23 Uzbekistan, while U23 Vietnam take on U23 Korea.
In its afternoon commentary, Sohu wrote: “Just like previous editions, the Panda Cup remains dramatic until the final matchday. This year, the title race is even harder to predict as teams like U23 Vietnam and U23 China have delivered explosive performances, defeating opponents considered stronger. Although this is an invitational tournament, all four teams are clearly using Panda Cup as a key preparation stage for the upcoming AFC U23 Asian Cup.”
According to Sohu, with their current momentum, U23 China are the strongest candidates to lift the trophy, especially thanks to the favourable matchup against U23 Uzbekistan in the final round. The report explained: “Based on the head-to-head scenarios, if U23 China defeat U23 Uzbekistan, we have a very high chance of becoming champions. The Uzbekistan squad at this tournament is essentially a U20 team. Earlier this year, they competed in the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 and were eliminated by Korea in the semifinals on penalties. Key players such as Ulinboev – the top scorer of the U20 Asian Cup – and Mirzaev, currently with Leganes in Spain, were not called up. As a result, Uzbekistan struggle when facing older, more physically developed opponents. Their weaknesses were exposed in the matches against U23 Vietnam and U23 Korea.”
Sohu concluded: “In other words, U23 China hold the upper hand and can defeat Uzbekistan to claim the title. The match is fully within our control, especially since we understand this opponent well.”
Sharing the same view, Sports 163 also believes U23 China are in a favourable position, but emphasised that the team must take matters into their own hands, as the match between U23 Vietnam and U23 Korea could produce unexpected twists. “Even though Korea won 2-0 against Uzbekistan in the opener, their squad is showing signs of instability. Meanwhile, according to player Kuai Jiwen, U23 Vietnam—not Korea—are the real challenge on the path to the title. Vietnam beat China 1-0 with an unpredictable, energetic playing style. Their confidence is growing, and they could completely defeat U23 Korea. Therefore, China must win to secure the championship,” the site commented.
In Korea, public criticism remains intense following the 0-2 loss to U23 China. OSEN warned that another defeat—especially against U23 Vietnam—would escalate concerns. The outlet stated: “U23 Korea are entering a crucial phase in preparation for the AFC U23 Asian Cup and the Asian Games. However, their current form raises major doubts. Many experts believe Korea are far from ready to compete with top teams such as Australia, Saudi Arabia and Japan. The performances under coach Lee Min-sung have been unconvincing, and a loss to U23 Vietnam would be disastrous at this stage. Korea must deliver results, and excuses about this being only an invitational tournament are no longer acceptable.”
The final matchday of the Panda Cup 2025 promises high drama, as all four teams still have a chance to win the title, making it one of the most unpredictable editions in recent years.
Hong Duyen
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