U23 Vietnam highly rated after impressive AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifying campaign

Hanoi, 3 January 2026 – U23 Vietnam enter the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 with strong expectations following a series of outstanding performances over the past year. After winning the gold medal at SEA Games 33, head coach Kim Sang-sik and his players were given only a short break before quickly returning to training to prepare for Vietnamese football’s first major tournament of 2026.

Notably, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has spoken highly of U23 Vietnam based on both their qualifying performance and their consistent presence at the continental level. In its latest analysis, AFC placed U23 Vietnam among the teams that delivered the most impressive displays during the qualification stage.

Specifically, U23 Vietnam were listed alongside six other teams—Jordan, Japan, Iran, Qatar, South Korea and Syria—as sides that won all three of their qualifying matches. On their road to the finals, U23 Vietnam defeated U23 Bangladesh, U23 Singapore and U23 Yemen to secure a place at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.

Even more impressively, U23 Vietnam were among the few teams to complete the qualifiers without conceding a single goal, a feat matched only by U23 South Korea and U23 Australia. According to AFC, this defensive solidity is expected to pose a significant challenge for opponents who face U23 Vietnam at the upcoming finals.

Historically, the AFC U23 Asian Cup has seen champions emerge from various regions. East Asia has claimed three titles, with Japan winning in 2016 and 2024, and South Korea lifting the trophy in 2020. West Asia has produced two champions, Iraq in 2013 and Saudi Arabia in 2022, while Central Asia celebrated its first title through Uzbekistan’s historic triumph in 2018.

AFC also pointed out that no team from South Asia has ever won the tournament. In this context, U23 Vietnam—alongside U23 Thailand—are viewed as potential dark horses capable of making a strong impact at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, as they look to challenge the traditional powers and aim for a deep run on the continental stage.

Huu Minh